{
    "title": "Flemish government reaches deal after weeks of deadlock",
    "modified_at": "2026-05-05 06:34:11",
    "published_at": "2026-05-05 06:35:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/flemish-government-reaches-deal-after-weeks-of-deadlock",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/WREd",
    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "flemish-government-reaches-deal-after-weeks-of-deadlock",
    "body": "<p><strong>The Flemish government has reached an agreement on three key issues after weeks of difficult negotiations. </strong></p><p>Late on Monday evening, ministers struck a deal covering the regional budget, energy measures and a plan for drinking water. The breakthrough followed hours of talks and several earlier failed attempts.</p><p>Details of the agreement remain limited. The government is expected to provide further information at a press conference on Tuesday morning.</p><p>The deal allows the coalition, led by minister-president Matthias Diependaele, to move forward after tensions between parties had stalled decision-making. Disagreements had centred on how to balance public finances, support households with rising energy costs, and address water quality concerns.</p><p>While the broad outlines are known, including efforts to keep spending under control and introduce support measures, the exact content of the decisions has not yet been fully disclosed.</p><p>For now, the focus is on the political significance: the government has restored unity and avoided a deeper crisis. However, more difficult budget talks are expected later this year.<br>\u200b<br>\u200b<sup>#FlandersNewsService | Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele &copy; BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM</sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
    },
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}