The Flemish socialist party Vooruit will rejoin the negotiations for the so-called 'Arizona' Federal Government, following the new proposals put forward by formator Bart De Wever (N-VA) presented on Thursday.
The party led by Conner Rousseau had walked out of negotiations last week, saying they would not return until a balanced, budget-based proposal was on the table, following disagreements on De Wever's socio-economic policies. Following a meeting with the negotiators of N-VA, CD&V, MR, Les Engagés and Vooruit on Thursday evening, the party has confirmed it would rejoin talks.
"Socialists are needed. People count on us to fight for their purchasing power and their health. In difficult times, only socialists can ensure that the efforts are distributed fairly," Rousseau said in a press release on Friday.
The new proposal put forward by De Wever "finally contains openings" – including for a greater contribution from the biggest earners, he said. "That is why we are now sitting at the table and taking our responsibility. For all ordinary people who count on us."
Vooruit's Conner Rousseau. Credit: Belga / Ward Vandael
"Up until now, I had the feeling that we had to play a one-against-four match and I started with a 0-5 deficit. That was never going to work," Rousseau said. "Today I feel that there is a willingness to take our concerns into account. It will still be difficult. There are openings, not guarantees. But we will do our best to form a government, in the interest of the country."
He said that Vooruit are ready to fight to ensure that the government "distributes the burdens fairly, with a serious contribution from the biggest earners, with agreements that protect the purchasing power of working people and pensioners, that keep healthcare affordable and accessible for everyone, and with far-reaching reforms that put the country in order, but that are also always fair and explainable."
"People are counting on us, and we are going to do our utmost, but there are no guarantees. If it turns out at the table that the door that has now been left ajar is slammed shut again, it will stop," Rousseau stressed.
Last week, De Wever was given two more weeks by King Philippe to get the formation of the Federal Government back on track. He indicated he was aiming for a stable majority: the one with Vooruit on board.
