The leaders of Arizona’s five parties (MR, Les Engagés, N-VA, CD&V, and Vooruit) will meet on Monday at 14:00 to resume negotiations for forming a new federal government.
Since the Flemish socialists from Vooruit decided last Friday to return to the negotiation table, the Arizona coalition efforts appear back on track, but whether they can reach a coalition agreement remains to be seen.
Lead negotiator Bart De Wever aims to negotiate six days a week. The issue of taxation, one of the most contentious topics, will likely not be addressed initially. Instead, less controversial issues will be discussed first to rebuild trust among the potential partners.
From the N-VA side, both negotiator Jan Jambon and regional minister Zuhal Demir have urged all five parties to "take responsibility".
"They must do it. All other scenarios would be worse," stated Jan Jambon on 'Zevende Dag' (VRT) programme.
Jambon also acknowledged that it would be challenging to form a government before 1st December and to present a budget to parliament shortly thereafter.
Bart De Wever is expected at the Palace again on 25 November to report on his progress to the King. His mission may be extended if the discussions among the five partners do not result in an agreement by then.
