Open VLD endorses Brussels budget deal but warns of long-term risks
The Brussels branch of Belgium’s liberal party Open VLD has agreed to support a new regional budget deal, ending weeks of hesitation and clearing the way for a six-party accord on the city-region’s finances.
The agreement, led by MR chief and budget formateur David Leisterh, brings together six parties: French-speaking MR, PS and Les Engagés, and Dutch-speaking Groen, Vooruit and Open VLD. Together they aim to stabilise Brussels’ public finances after years of rising deficits and credit rating pressure.
The plan foresees 1 billion euros in financial adjustments: 750 million euros in spending cuts, 250 million euros in new revenues and a tax shift. At the same time, it allows a deficit of up to 1.5 billion euros in 2025. Open VLD had pushed for a tighter 1.2 billion euros target, in line with projections shared earlier with credit rating agency S&P.
“Open VLD Brussels is satisfied with the planned 1 billion euro effort, including at least 800 million euros in recurrent savings that must be clearly identified”, the party said in a statement. However, it criticised what it called a “lack of ambition” from its partners, warning that the proposed trajectory could create long-term risks for the region’s finances.
Despite reservations, the liberals said rejecting the deal would have left Brussels in political limbo, with only a caretaker administration in place. Their backing means all six negotiating parties now support Leisterh’s proposal, which is a significant step toward a multi-year budget deal since the regional stalemate began earlier this year.
Open Vld's Frederic De Gucht © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK