For a relatively compact landmass, Belgium has diversity in heaps. The same goes for its political circles as the proportional voting system makes it possible for small parties to gain a foothold where in other electoral structures they wouldn't stand a chance.
Whilst other countries are dominated by two or three political groups riddled with internal divisions, Belgian policies aren't the result of a hard-fought back and forth between avowed opponents but are instead a compromise between ideological shades. Whilst this approach might seem more collaborative than combative, the difficulty comes when negotiating partners step out of line with the common consent.
Such has been the case with Belgium's tax reform, which after five weeks of intense negotiating ended in failure last night after one of the seven coalition partners in the Federal Government (aka "Vivaldi" for the spectrum of political shades) stood intransigent on the proposal, which would have shifted the country's sizeable tax burden from lower-income workers to higher earners.
Not only more equitable, the changes would have promoted eco-conscious behaviour by taxing polluting activities more frequent among wealthier households.
Ministers didn't hide their exasperation with the miscreant francophone liberal MR party, whose leader Georges-Louis Bouchez has done little to ingratiate himself with colleagues, being a constant thorn in the side of the government that stands only with the support of all partners.
In recent days, Prime Minister De Croo has come across as a vexed ringmaster bringing an obstinate pony to heel. Keenly aware of how easily discussions can be derailed, the premier often convenes ministerial meetings during weekends, when resistance might be less energetic and would garner less media attention anyway.
With the tax reform occupying the weekends of government ministers for the past two months, De Croo had the tone of a schoolmaster when he pushed back against MR heel-dragging and insisted that a deal would be closed before the summer recess.
To no avail however, and allies on the proposal are lamenting a "missed opportunity". But with division threatening to incapacitate legislators, will Vivaldi survive until next year's elections? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Northern Quarter: Brussels approves plans to reverse Manhattanisation of the area
Brussels has taken a decisive step towards the redevelopment of the Northern Quarter to make it more liveable for residents. Read more.
2. Belgium fails to agree on flagship tax reform
The Federal Government was unable to reach an agreement on tax reform after discussions on the topic became ensnared with disagreement among the governing parties. Read more.
3. From prayer to play: Belgium's new ecclesiastic conversion trend
As churchgoing in Belgium wanes and a new law cuts ties between church and state, how can the emptying temples of worship stay open? Read more.
4. Designer drugs: Belgian hospitals flooded with unknown psychoactive substances
The amount of new synthetic drugs and their composition is changing so quickly that Belgian hospitals are finding it increasingly difficult to detect them in the blood and urine of patients. Read more.
5. One third of Belgian companies recruits with AI
Three in ten Belgian companies use artificial intelligence (AI) to recruit employees. The same amount plans to use it in the near future. Read more.
6. Scandal at European Parliament: New leaked file reveals sweeping Qatargate corruption
A computer file belonging to one of the figures at the centre of the Qatargate corruption scandal has revealed the sweeping extent to which the EU officials were bribed into furthering the interests of foreign nations. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Brasserie Bourla
Located on the leafy Graanmarkt square behind Antwerp’s Bourla theatre, the lively Brasserie Bourla attracts a mix of bankers, artists and local regulars. The interior could almost be Paris with its mix of mirrors, marble table tops and chandeliers. Read more.
