Following the final proposal rejection by CD&V, the formation of a Flemish Government appears to be at an impasse – however far-right Vlaams Belang now wants to partner with N-VA to form a government.
The two Flemish nationalist parties do not have a clear parliamentary majority, however, Tom Van Grieken, the chairman of Vlaams Belang, has invited N-VA to discuss this possibility, stating the party’s readiness to enter a Flemish Government.
Following the rejection of the Flemish Christian Democrats (CD&V)'s "third and final" note from formator Matthias Diependaele (N-VA), which aimed to establish a new Flemish majority, caused palpable anger and disappointment among N-VA ranks, although no official reaction has yet been given.
With the latest rejection by CD&V of Flemish formator Matthias Diependaele’s proposal, the formation of a new Flemish Government, much like the Federal and Brussels governments, is stalled.
How this political deadlock will be resolved remains unclear. The likelihood of a new government seems distant with limited alternatives to a coalition involving N-VA, CD&V, and Vooruit.
Yet Vlaams Belang disagrees with this view, with the party having pointed out in a press release that they won as many seats (31) as N-VA in the June regional elections.
Together, N-VA and Vlaams Belang just fell short of a majority in the Flemish Parliament, which has 124 seats. After June 9, Vlaams Belang was only invited by N-VA for a ‘courtesy visit’ – not for serious negotiations.
Vlaams Belang's Chris Janssens arrives to the party's headquarters, Monday 10 June 2024 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Vlaams Belang believes the time is right for a discussion between the two largest parties. The party urges, "Listen finally to the voice of the people, and let us sit at the table as the two largest parties in Flanders."
Group leader Chris Janssens supports this stance: "The electorate has shuffled the cards, and the outcome was very clear: the Flemish want a Flemish and right-wing policy."
"With socialists and Christian Democrats tending towards the left as coalition partners, nothing will materialise from this. Moreover, CD&V as a minor party is in survival mode, putting the party interest above the general interest," says Janssens.
