MR proposes reform blueprint amid Brussels government deadlock

French-speaking liberal party MR has presented an 80-page draft policy declaration in an effort to break the political deadlock and form a new Brussels regional government, nearly a year after the June 2024 elections.

At a press conference on Wednesday, MR chair Georges-Louis Bouchez and Brussels leader David Leisterh said the proposal is intended to allow Brussels to “take control of its future.” The plan addresses challenges such as public finances, security and cleanliness, the economy, and mobility. It will be sent to most other parties (excluding far-left PTB, far-right Vlaams Belang and Team Fouad Ahidar) for feedback by Monday.

If only minor changes are needed to secure a majority, MR will launch formal talks immediately. Otherwise, the text will be debated in the Brussels parliament in June. 

Bouchez insists the text is grounded in expert advice and invites serious counterproposals rather than political posturing. He also criticised left-wing attempts to form a coalition. On Tuesday evening, six left-leaning parties (PS, PVDA, Ecolo, Groen, Team Fouad Ahidar and Vooruit) held “constructive talks”. ​ 

“This proposal is the basis for reform”

With a potential credit rating downgrade looming (Standard and Poor’s is set to issue a new rating for the Brussels-Capital Region on 13 June), MR is pressing for swift action. “This proposal is the basis for reform”, said Bouchez. “Now other parties must show where they stand.”

In response, Open VLD negotiator Frédéric De Gucht expressed support for David Leisterh’s initiative. “This text is a good basis for us to sit around the table”, he stated. N-VA negotiator and Flemish minister for Brussels, Cieltje van Achter, acknowledged receipt of the policy note and added that the party would examine it carefully. “We value constructive negotiations and are committed to conducting them seriously and away from public debate - at the negotiating table.” Groen and Vooruit voiced similar sentiments.

The proposal comes amid a near-total political stalemate, with multiple parties vetoing potential coalition combinations. As a result, the stalemate has persisted, leaving Brussels without a functioning government nearly a year after the election.

^{David Leisterh and George-Louis Bouchez © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}