N-VA leader and federal formator Bart De Wever (N-VA) says the hopes of forming a Federal Government by the end of January are "50-50".
De Wever spoke to VRT and VTM about the progress of formation talks between the 'Arizona' coalition made up of N-VA, Mouvement Réformateur (MR), CD&V, Les Engagés and Vooruit on Thursday evening. As formator (the one leading negotiations), De Wever imposed a hard deadline for the end of the month.
"There's an end to everything. It's a buffet that you have to eat now or you have to leave the room," he said.
Arizona negotiators met for the first time this year on Thursday, kicking off an "intensive" phase of talks. The first day focused on questions of employment. De Wever said it was a constructive day and that more challenging ones are ahead.
"There are still hundreds of hidden mines which I know are difficult for a number of parties," he told VRT. On VTM, he added that negotiating sensitive topics such as labour market reform, pensions and taxation is "not an easy task."
'It's 50-50'
The formator will appear before King Philippe on 7 January to request a further extension of his mission. He has expressed hope that this will be the final request to give him more time.
As for the chances of reaching an agreement by the end of January, De Wever would not comment any further. "It's 50-50," he said. "And if it succeeds, there's a 100% chance that I'll become Prime Minister."
Patrick Janssens (sp.a) and Bart De Wever at the swearing in of Antwerp city council on Thursday 2 January 2025. Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
The N-VA leader has stated that he would rather stay on as Mayor of Antwerp than lead the Federal Government. He was sworn into his third term as mayor on Thursday along with 55 local councillors.
If he does become Prime Minister, councillor Els van Doesburg (N-VA) will take on the role of interim mayor. Councillor Koen Kennis (N-VA) is considered De Wever's right-hand man but received fewer votes than van Doesburg.
