Flemish nationalist leader Bart De Wever (N-VA) hopes to conclude talks on the formation of a new federal government by 20 September 2024. Yesterday King Filip appointed Mr De Wever as the new formateur following the 9 June general election. The brand-new formateur speaks of a "natural deadline" imposed by the EU.
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Formateur Bart De Wever eyes agreement on new federal government by 20 September this year
Colin Clapson
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On 20 September, the European Commission expects Belgium to file its multi-year plan to return the country to budgetary orthodoxy and put its budget in order. If that plan is not ready, the EU cannot give it the green light and allow Belgium to start using it. "Given Belgium’s dramatic budgetary situation, that green light is crucial," Mr De Wever says.
According to the N-VA leader, it would also be good "to land before the municipal elections" in October. "These elections are not going to help people to negotiate in a serene atmosphere. Stretching the negotiations would be a tragic mistake."
Mr De Wever plans to "maintain silence" on the content of the negotiations and he is asking his colleagues to do the same. He will, however, say something about the method of negotiation. "I am currently writing draft texts that can form a starting point for texts leading to a government negotiation," he said on Wednesday.
The thorniest issues - "the budget and all possible reforms linked to it" - will be dealt with in bilateral talks. These talks start on Friday.
Mr De Wever indicated during the election campaign that he wants to become Belgian prime minister and now that he is also formateur, that seems increasingly likely. Will he fight the municipal elections as prime minister? "It’s possible, if everything works out," the Flemish nationalist leader confirmed.