Formateur threatens to quit if Brussels government talks fail

Brussels formateur David Leisterh has launched a final round of talks to form a Brussels government. Speaking to regional broadcaster BX1 on Monday morning, Leisterh said he would step aside if no breakthrough is reached.

“If in two weeks there is nothing, except a breakthrough, I will likely withdraw", he said. If his efforts fail, his party MR (the French-speaking liberals) will exit negotiations and move to the opposition. This would mean that a new formateur will be needed. 

“If in two weeks there is nothing, except a breakthrough, I will likely withdraw"

Brussels government talks remain deadlocked eight months after the elections. The French-speaking socialist party (PS) is refusing to work with Flemish nationalist N-VA. The Dutch-speaking side, consisting of Groen (Greens), Open VLD (liberals), and Vooruit (socialists), has reached an agreement with N-VA, but PS wants to replace them with CD&V (Christian Democrats). However, CD&V is insisting on securing a ministerial post, further complicating the talks.

Pressure

Leisterh, however, is determined to restart the talks. He began this week’s consultations with Dutch-speaking formateur Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) and Open VLD’s Frédéric De Gucht. Meetings with CD&V, Vooruit, and N-VA follow on Tuesday, with French-speaking parties, including PS, from Wednesday. Far-left PVDA-PTB and far-right Vlaams Belang are excluded.

^{Brussels formateur David Leisterh © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}