Flemish government talks hit new snag as CD&V deems proposal insufficient
The leader of Flemish Christian democrats CD&V leader has described nationalists N-VA’s latest proposal for forming the Flemish government as “insufficient.” Given that the N-VA presented it as a take-it-or-leave-it offer, it appears unlikely that a government will be formed before the local elections.
CD&V leader Sammy Mahdi said on Tuesday evening that the framework proposed by Flemish formateur Matthias Diependaele of N-VA for a new Flemish government is “insufficient.” With this new rejection, the Flemish formation appears to be deadlocked. N-VA said this proposal would be the last one, after two previous proposals were rejected.
CD&V mainly criticised the proposal for its lack of investments in welfare. Mahdi pointed to needs in childcare, saying that 28,000 places are required but only 8,000 would be provided, and referred to the long waiting lists for people with disabilities. He also raised concerns about elderly care.
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Additionally, CD&V said Diependaele’s proposal did not sufficiently address issues like the financing of rural municipalities and the preservation of agricultural land.
The Flemish formation thus appears to be in crisis. Mahdi, however, does not see it this way: “I see no reason why we should not continue the conversation.” Despite N-VA’s indication that this would be the last proposal, the CD&V leader said his party wanted to remain “constructive” at the negotiation table, provided there is “sufficient room for all parties”.
On Tuesday morning, negotiators from socialists Vooruit also met formateur Diependaele, but they have yet to respond to the proposal. Their reaction may come on Wednesday.
Diependaele has not yet commented on CD&V’s rejection.
#FlandersNewsService | Sammy Mahdi © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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