The Flemish negotiator for the Brussels Government has warned that an agreement without a Dutch-speaking majority is out of the question.
Talks to form a Brussels Regional Government have been at an impasse for months. On Wednesday, Brussels leader of the French-speaking Socialist Party (PS) proposed a government without a Dutch-speaking majority to break the deadlock. However, Groen leader and outgoing Mobility Minister for Brussels Elke Van den Brandt has dismissed the suggestion on legal grounds.
"This is not a serious proposal for the challenges Brussels is facing," she stated on behalf of the Flemish parties Groen, Open VLD, Vooruit and N-VA.
"Without a Dutch-speaking majority, such a government would remain in caretaker mode. The only change would be the ministers' names, but the government’s powers would remain limited."
"In other words, it wouldn’t have the authority to truly reform Brussels to make the city more liveable and financially healthy," she continued. "This doesn’t help social organisations and associations currently struggling due to political games."
After consulting with the Dutch-speaking parties, Van den Brandt also expressed her "deep concern" about a potential communitarian conflict.
"Brussels, like Belgium, was built on community balances. Changing these balances leads to many uncertainties. In addition, it doesn't offer any prospect for the current government formation. Let’s now see together how we can form a government as soon as possible."