Belgian King Philippe has reappointed Bart De Wever (N-VA) as formator of the Federal Government on Monday morning following a meeting with mediator Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés), the Royal Palace announced.
Prévot was appointed as mediator on 23 August after De Wever's efforts to form a Federal 'Arizona' Government with N-VA, CD&V, Vooruit, MR and Les Engagés fell through the day before. Prévot's task was to bring the parties' positions closer together so the negotiations could resume as soon as possible.
"I was able to confirm to the King the wish to resume talks between the current five parties involved in the government negotiations," Prévot said on social media. "I welcome the success of the mission entrusted to me, the confidence of my colleagues and the honour conferred on me by the King."
Communiqué de Maxime Prévot, chargé par Sa Majesté le Roi d’une mission de médiation.
J’ai pu confirmer au Roi ce matin la volonté de reprise des discussions entre les actuels cinq partis associés aux négociations gouvernementales. Je me réjouis de la réussite de la mission… pic.twitter.com/35hTVzp98s — Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) September 2, 2024
Now, De Wever has again been appointed as formator, with a view to the rapid continuation of negotiations between the five prospective partners. The N-VA leader accepted this mission after a phone conversation with the King and will report back on 23 September, the Palace added.
On Sunday evening, Prévot had called a meeting of the five party leaders to reach an agreement on the way forward – specifically on the approach and working method for the negotiations over the coming weeks.
"It is now up to the formator to determine the method and timetable for resuming negotiations, with the aim of proposing a new overall balance through a new supernote, new budget tables and various notes," Prévot said.
Additionally, he pointed out, "on behalf of the five party leaders," that the various documents that have been reported about in the press were "unfinished draft documents".
All five parties are "determined to implement major reforms" with structural consequences that should "put Belgium back on the track of prosperity and well-being for its people and economy."
