The date of the next meeting between Facilitator Bart De Wever and party leaders and/or negotiators on the formation of the incoming federal government remains unknown. In the meantime, De Wever had bilateral consultations on Friday with each of the parties involved, and similar talks have been programmed for Saturday.
A week ago, the Facilitator provided a new socio-economic note, which includes numerous changes from the previous version. Since then, the presidents of Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie, Mouvement Réformateur, Les Engagés, Vooruit, and Christen Democratisch en Vlaams have not met in plenary to discuss socio-economic topics, such as labour market reforms, taxation, and pensions.
It quickly became apparent that Vooruit, Les Engagés, and CD&V would not accept the new note. In the meantime, the note was leaked to the press, generating many reactions.
The final phase of negotiations is expected to begin this weekend. The Facilitator is scheduled to meet with the King on Friday, 31 January, in line with the deadline set by party leaders at the end of December to reach a government agreement.
According to sources close to the negotiators, the facilitator will meet with MR again on Saturday.
The five parties are not expected to meet before Sunday.
