N-VA and Vooruit will continue exclusive negotiations in Antwerp to form a new city council, the office of Mayor and formator Bart De Wever (N-VA) has announced, confirming that Groen and CD&V are out of the running.
Although there is no formal governing agreement or allocation of mandates yet, the path towards continuing the current administration of N-VA and Vooruit now seems clear. De Wever has so far refrained from making extensive comments.
"N-VA and Vooruit have decided, after exploratory talks, to continue exclusive and discreet negotiations to form a strong and stable city council for all Antwerp residents," N-VA stated in their only communication on the matter.
De Wever and N-VA’s initiative ends on Monday. If no signed nomination act for the new executive council is in place by then, Jos D’Haese’s PVDA will have the chance to conduct coalition talks for two weeks, followed by Vooruit. It is possible that N-VA and Vooruit may not conclude negotiations this week but might reach an agreement during Vooruit’s initiative period.
Vooruit has also been tight-lipped about the talks. "Vooruit confirms it will negotiate with N-VA in Antwerp to form a coalition," the party said in a statement. "Vooruit aims to work discreetly in the coming period to establish a stable and strong coalition in the city. We remain committed to working for all Antwerp residents."
Provincial level too
Few minutes after it was announced that N-VA and Vooruit in the city of Antwerp are continuing to negotiate exclusively on an administrative agreement, the Flemish nationalist party led by Bart De Wever indicated that it is also only continuing talks with Vooruit for a new provincial government.
This would mean that current coalition partner CD&V moves to the opposition and is exchanged for Vooruit.
"After constructive talks with various parties in recent weeks, we have decided by mutual agreement to take the negotiations to the next stage," deputy and provincial N-VA list leader Luk Lemmens announced through his spokesman.
"Based on the substantive agreements, we choose to continue the talks with Vooruit. We appreciate the input of all parties involved. It remains our priority to form a decisive coalition that continues to work towards a performing provincial government with focus on its core tasks."
