Belgium's King Philippe has extended formator Bart De Wever's (N-VA) assignment until 31 January – giving him over three more weeks to form a new Federal Government.
During his 15th audience with the King, De Wever reported on his mission to form the next Federal 'Arizona' Government, specifically on the progress of the slow-going socio-economic negotiations.
"Mister De Wever confirmed that negotiators aim to finalise [the agreement] by the end of the month. The King will therefore receive Mister De Wever in audience on 31 January," the Royal Palace announced.
De Wever was aiming to meet the King with enough progress booked to ask for one "final extension" of his assignment as Federal Government formator. The Palace also insisted on this, saying that the King hoped for a "decisive breakthrough" at the start of the new year.
211 days after the 9 June elections, Belgium still does not have a Federal Government. However, this extension may indicate that an agreement may be found soon.
