460 days without government: Pressure mounts on Brussels MPs
The citizens’ collective Respect Brussels has formally put Brussels MPs on notice over the political deadlock, which has now lasted more than 460 days. In its letter to each parliamentarian, the group demands the launch of a Brussels conclave by 26 September and the adoption of an emergency budget by 10 October. Meanwhile, N-VA Brussels leader Cieltje Van Achter has sharply criticised PS figurehead Ahmed Laaouej and has not ruled out fresh elections if the stalemate continues.
“For me, Ahmed Laaouej is the Donald Trump of Brussels. His contempt for laws and institutions is unprecedented,” Van Achter told La Libre Belgique on Friday. She accused him of refusing substantive talks and dismissing the existing Flemish majority, which she called a profound democratic failure. She further argued that Laaouej and the PS are putting Brussels at risk by blocking discussions on the policies the city needs, while the Vervoort government does little to halt the worsening fiscal situation.
Undermining democratic rule of law
According to Respect Brussels, the prolonged impasse undermines the democratic rule of law and has tangible consequences: essential social services are grinding to a halt, more residents risk falling into poverty, violence is rising without a coordinated response, police forces are underperforming, and administrations remain paralysed.
The notice of default follows earlier actions by Respect Brussels: 89 minutes of silence on the steps of the Bourse on 23 March (one minute for each MP), and a citizens’ picnic at the Bourse square on 9 June. The collective insists that negotiations must continue non-stop until a government is formed that enjoys the support of both Dutch- and French-speaking groups, as required by law.
Take responsibility for the major challenges facing our city
It also calls for an emergency budget by 10 October to prevent another downgrade of Brussels’ credit rating. “Take responsibility for the major challenges facing our city: housing, jobs, mobility, climate, security, social cohesion and poverty reduction,” the group urged MPs.
Respect Brussels further demands structural reforms to make the region governable in a simpler and more transparent way, including a cooperation agreement with the federal government and other regions to reform Brussels’ rules and financing so that it can function in a stable and democratic manner. The movement was founded in early 2025 out of frustration with the persistent political paralysis.
Meanwhile, negotiations remain at an impasse. In a last-ditch effort to move talks forward, Open VLD negotiator Frédéric De Gucht has invited parties to a roundtable on Monday. But French-speaking green co-leader Marie Lecocq confirmed on BX1 radio that Ecolo will not attend, arguing that the presence of the Flemish nationalist N-VA would make the talks “a waste of time for everyone.”
The building of the Brussels parliament. © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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