November is the "natural deadline" for forming a new Federal Government, according to N-VA leader Bart De Wever, speaking on VRT radio on Friday.
Attention is currently focused on Sunday’s local elections but will shift back to federal government formation afterwards. De Wever indicated that November is a natural deadline if the budget for 2025 is to be approved by parliament, a view shared by other party leaders from the Arizona coalition.
While those involved have been less visible in recent weeks, work has continued behind the scenes. “Everything is ready for the central negotiation,” De Wever said, adding that the main issues remaining are those that need to be finalised.
If there is a willingness to form a government, it can proceed quickly, particularly concerning budget decisions and socio-economic reforms.
The process will require significant "political courage," De Wever admits, as there won’t be "many positive announcements."
While net salaries might increase for workers, other social security reforms may be less favourable. "We will have to keep pushing uphill for ten years; it requires courage," he concluded.
'Spending brake'
In Flanders, N-VA also proposed a "spending brake" at the first official meeting of the new regional Flemish Government.
Some expected revenues will be lower than anticipated, prompting the Flemish nationalists to advocate for reduced expenditures.
Coalition partners Vooruit and CD&V indicated that the issue is unlikely to be resolved this Friday.
The socialists emphasised that such a brake contradicts the agreements made during the formation negotiations for this new government.
