The Brussels Government formation talks became even more complicated this weekend as the French-speaking parties proposed to postpone the stricter Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards by two years. Elke Van den Brandt (Groen), formator on the Dutch-speaking side, speaks of "a deep breach of trust."
The French-speaking parties negotiating to form the Brussels Government – liberal MR, socialist PS and centrist Les Engagés – announced on Sunday evening that they want to delay the next phase of the LEZ by two years. The scheme was set to be implemented on 1 January 2025, but the parties find the pace of the transition too fast.
"This is a deep breach of trust," said Van den Brandt, who is also the outgoing Brussels Mobility Minister and won the election on the fact that her mobility policy focuses on cleaner air and fewer (polluting) cars. "French speakers and Dutch speakers must work out solutions together. This is how Brussels is governed."
Du jamais vu
With the Dutch-speaking side of the Brussels Government not yet formed, she called the fact that the French-speaking parties are now unilaterally making this proposal "du jamais vu" ("unheard of"). "Especially as it concerns a proposal that is very important for one of the partners at the table."
Van den Brandt learnt of the Francophone parties' plans this weekend and tried to convince French-speaking formator David Leisterh (MR) to consult with her on the issue first but Leisterh did not accept the proposal.
She added that she has always welcomed talks with the French-speaking parties and that she cannot understand that they are now concluding agreements behind her back.
"This way, the French-speaking parties are purposefully and deliberately dropping a bombshell on the Brussels Government formation talks. They are choosing to campaign [for the local elections in October] instead of forming a coalition."
MR Brussels leader David Leisterh. Credit: Belga
Politics aside, Van den Brandt stressed that the air quality in Brussels has improved by 30% thanks to the low-emission zone.
"The poorest and most densely populated neighbourhoods, with the lowest car ownership, are hardest hit by poor air. We cannot accept that MR, PS and Les Engagés do not want to discuss the quality of life of Brussels residents," asserted the Groen politician.
Now, the question is how the Brussels Government formation should proceed. "I look to David Leisterh to make a proposal to restore confidence. It was already difficult, but this only makes the formation more difficult," Van den Brandt said.
