PS angers Flemish parties with proposal to form 'emergency government' in Brussels
Francophone socialist party PS proposed breaking the political deadlock in the Brussels-Capital Region by appointing formateur David Leisterh as head of an "emergency government" without a majority. Flemish politicians criticised the proposal, before it was ruled as inadmissible by the Brussels Parliament registry.
The formation of a government in Brussels has been deadlocked since the June elections. Before a government can be formed, the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking parties must find separate majorities. After months of negotiations, Groen, Vooruit, Open VLD and N-VA reached an agreement on the Flemish side.
But this led to the collapse of the French-speaking coalition of MR, Les Engagés and PS. The PS has vetoed the N-VA's participation in a future government, with Brussels PS leader Ahmed Laaouej saying N-VA considers Brussels "a sub-region that should be placed under the control of Flanders". The PS has since refused to return to the formation.
Emergency government
On Wednesday, Laaouej floated an alternative way out of the impasse. He proposed the formation of a Brussels government by individual secret ballot, with MR leader Leisterh as minister president. This "emergency government" would deal with the most pressing issues, such as drafting a new budget, while the formation process continued.
Shortly after, the registry of the Brussels parliament declared the proposal "inadmissible". Belga has obtained a copy of the document, signed by the speaker of the parliament, saying that "no action can be taken on the proposal to appoint a new prime minister of the government".
Soured relations
Laaouej's proposal has not improved relations between the negotiators. Flemish minister for Brussels Cieltje Van Achter (N-VA) called it "total contempt" for the Flemish community in Brussels. "The PS refuses to negotiate, (...) but now tries to sideline the Flemish majority. Insane."
"Brussels needs a fully fledged government after the negotiations, not a ministerial game of musical chairs"
Other parties also rejected the proposal. Open VLD negotiator Frédéric De Gucht called it "politically unacceptable", while Dutch-speaking formateur Elke Van den Brandt of Groen said: "Brussels needs a fully fledged government after the negotiations, not a ministerial game of musical chairs."
Even the French-speaking Les Engagés criticised the PS's approach. Christophe De Beukelaer, leader of the party's Brussels group, said it would lead to "a government of current affairs for five years, incapable of taking structural decisions. Who wants that for Brussels? Nobody."
© BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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