Vooruit agrees to continue federal government negotiations
Flemish socialist party Vooruit will continue the federal government negotiations, on the basis of formateur Bart De Wever’s new plan for a government with N-VA, CD&V, MR and Les Engagés. Vooruit believes that there are finally openings in that text, including for a greater contribution from the wealthiest.
Yesterday, formateur Bart De Wever provided a new socio-economic “super memo”, the policy document that forms the basis for the talks between the five parties negotiating the next federal government. While the other party leaders quickly accepted this basis, Vooruit leader Conner Rousseau asked for time to consult with his party. Those discussions lasted until Friday around noon, when Rousseau announced that he will return to the table.
According to Rousseau, the new memo “finally contains openings, including for a larger contribution from the wealthiest”. “Until now, I had the feeling that we had to play a game of 1 against 4, and start it with a 0-5 deficit, “ he said. “Today I feel there is a willingness to take our concerns into account. It will still be difficult. Openings are no guarantees. But we are going to do our best to make a government in the interest of the country.”
The negotiations were at an impasse because Vooruit felt that the previous super memorandum – with proposals concerning the labour market, taxation and pensions – was out of balance. For the socialists, too much of the burden ended up on the shoulders of ordinary people and too few contributions were demanded from the wealthiest.
The party now reiterated that it is willing to take tough decisions to get the budget back on track, but that until now there was no room to talk about a fair distribution of efforts. Rousseau promised to fight for “agreements that protect the purchasing power of working people and retirees”. “That keep healthcare affordable and accessible for all,” he added. “And with deep reforms that put the country in order, but which are also always fair.”
Earlier today, the European Commission put extra pressure on Belgium to form a new government that can get the budget in order. In a new economic growth forecast, it amongst others warned that, without changed policies, Belgium risks its budget deficit rising to 4.9 per cent of GDP in 2025.
Vooruit's leader Conner Rousseau delivers a speech on the evening of the local elections of 13 October 2024 © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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