Parties reach detailed deal on new Flemish government

The new Flemish government will begin its work on Monday, after the coalition partners reached a deal early on Saturday morning following long negotiations. Members of the three parties are due to approve the deal this weekend.

New minister president Matthias Diependaele of N-VA announced the deal after a last round of negotiations that lasted until 5.00 on Saturday. He said creative ways had been found to come to a compromise on the most difficult issues.

Flemish nationalists N-VA, Christian democrats CD&V and socialists Vooruit reached a deal on the budgets for the coming years weeks ago. The main problems, however, have little to do with budget. In recent weeks, agreements had to be found on agriculture, climate measures, schools, integration. What those agreements are will be explained first at congresses of the three parties, where the new government will get the green light.

The names of the new ministers and their competencies will be announced this weekend. On Monday, the government will present its plans in the parliament, which should give its blessing some days later.

After the federal and regional elections, only the federal and the Brussels governments are still not in place. They will be negotiated after the local elections of 13 October.

_{#FlandersNewsService | Matthias Diependaele © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT}