Negotiators from MR, PS, Les Engagés, Groen, Vooruit, and CD&V met again on Wednesday afternoon to discuss Brussels’ budgetary challenges.
Open VLD, which reiterated in the morning that it would not join a coalition without N-VA, was notably absent. Brussels still has no agreement for a regional government despite the elections having taken place back in June 2024.
Most negotiators declined to comment at the start of the meeting, which aimed to set an agenda and work method for addressing Brussels’ budget situation.
CD&V representative Benjamin Dalle, who did speak to the press, stressed the need for a credible budget for 2025 and a long-term vision to avoid potential downgrades by S&P’s.
MR negotiator Georges-Louis Bouchez highlighted two "new elements" as he arrived. He referenced an interview with Open VLD leader Alexia Bertrand, who restated that her party would not join a Brussels Government without N-VA.
Alexia Bertrand when she was Belgium's State Secretary for Budget. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Bouchez also noted that outgoing Budget Minister Sven Gatz (Open VLD), assigned to draft a 2025 budget, refused to develop a multi-year plan, which he said is essential. The MR leader emphasised that a decisive decision on the coalition was necessary due to these factors and warned of a potential rating downgrade by June leading to higher interest costs.
Despite these issues, Bouchez found it useful to discuss the budget in the meantime. He pointed out that there would be a significant gap between the negotiation start and the formation of a new government but asserted that their current efforts were not merely structural.
Open VLD negotiator Frédéric De Gucht was notably absent on Wednesday afternoon. Reports suggest the Debt Agency had cancelled the meeting, leading the liberals to deem it pointless, especially since no other agenda items were proposed.
It was also noted that Minister Gatz, preparing precautionary measures for 2025, had not been invited to the meeting and did not anticipate attending.
The Flemish liberals reiterated their stance that the seven parties currently negotiating do not form a credible future majority for the Brussels Government.
