Eight months after the elections, Brussels is still without a government. As the mission of French-speaking formator David Leisterh (MR) will likely fail on Friday, workers and businesses are "fed up" with the inaction and are calling on all parties to assume their responsibilities.
Brussels is going through a critical period. At a time when the Region is facing multiple challenges – such as the recent spate of drug-related shootings –, employees and business representatives are urging all parties to move away from political battles to avoid a major deadlock with far-reaching consequences.
"We expect our political representatives to take a responsible and constructive approach in the interests of and with respect for those who live, work and do business in Brussels," they said in a joint open letter. "Our attachment to Brussels, combined with the urgent need for a government, obliges us to stand together."
'A tsunami of complaints'
The absence of a regional government is a legitimate concern for citizens, workers and businesses of Brussels. In the letter, businesses argue that "every day without a government worsens an already worrying situation."
After months of unsuccessful discussions between political parties, Leisterh announced on 7 February that he would hold "last-chance" formation talks for two weeks. Friday is the last day of his self-imposed deadline, but the parties are seemingly no closer to finding a solution to the deadlock.
Meanwhile, the Belfius bank reduced its cash credit line for the Brussels-Capital Region from €500 million to €200 million, according to Budget Minister Sven Gatz (Open VLD). While he said the consequences in themselves are limited, it is "a clear signal" towards the formation in Brussels.
Picture taken during a national demonstration of trade unions, in Brussels, Monday 13 January 2025. Credit: Belga/Hatim Kaghat
The letter – signed by BECI, FGTB Brussels, CSC Brussels, CGSLB Brussels, BRUXEO, UCM and UNIZO Brussel – outlined several "major challenges" that the next government will have to face. Previously, BECI's CEO Thierry Geerts told The Brussels Times that they had received "a tsunami of complaints" about the Region's issues.
This includes a "democratic and institutional crisis at a time when the fight against populism is already a daily battle," they said. "What's more, Brussels' management autonomy is under threat. As a national, European and international capital, Brussels risks being placed under trusteeship if it does not take its destiny into its own hands."
Additionally, the letter stressed that the Capital Region and its institutions are being undermined by a socioeconomic and financial crisis. "Every day that passes without a government makes it harder to deal with the growing social, economic and budgetary repercussions."
They also urged parties to implement measures to meet the new challenges that will arise from the policies planned by Belgium's new Federal Government, "without improvising or working in a hurry."
Letting Brussels down
Lastly, the organisations pointed to the major safety issues and growing societal challenges. "The safety, tranquillity and well-being of the people of Brussels must remain an absolute priority. Brussels needs a fully-fledged government to coordinate preventive and security measures and to respond to the Region's changing societal needs."
Therefore, the letter calls on Brussels' political leaders from all democratic backgrounds to assume their responsibilities. "We call on them to stop behaving like politicians and start behaving like statesmen and women, equal to the challenges and equal to the people of Brussels."
Brussels "deserves better than a status quo doomed for failure" and must become a centre of attractiveness, economic development, employment and social justice, where quality of life comes first.
"The next government will either be a collective success or it won't be. To achieve this, we need shared values, ambition, solid alliances and the will to overcome divisions," they said. "Brussels deserves a bright future. Let's work towards it together. We are ready."
