Up in Antwerp Kathleen Van Brempt, lead candidate of socialist Vooruit, announced her party would not make use of the right of initiative that passed to it two weeks after the local elections. During the first fortnight after the local poll nationalist N-VA, as the largest party, enjoyed the right of initiative, but after two weeks and no formal agreement the right passed to Communist PVDA, Antwerp’s second largest party that also decided not to make use of it given the ongoing talks between N-VA and Vooruit. PVDA passed the initiative to Van Brempt’s Vooruit last weekend because it saw no chance of forming a coalition. By Vooruit now not taking up the right initiative passes to Antwerp’s fourth largest party, ecologist groen.
In Antwerp Vooruit and N-VA cold-shoulder legal process and take time to agree local coalition accord
Colin Clapson
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Meanwhile socialist Vooruit and nationalist N-VA continue to negotiate the formation of a new city cabinet. Both parties want to take their time to make a detailed and thorough agreement. ‘We don't want to form a coalition in haste,’ Ms Van Brempt said. Vooruit took its decision in consultation with outgoing mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA).
Vooruit and N-VA want to take their time to find an agreement. ‘The inhabitants of the city are entitled to a good and strong local government with an ambitious programme for Antwerp and the people of Antwerp,’ Kathleen Van Brempt said. ‘We want to continue negotiations.’
‘You don't conclude a thorough and clear agreement for a city like this just like that. In consultation with N-VA, we have decided to continue the talks in a constructive and calm fashion.’
Statement against new legislation
Vooruit’s decision is a powerful statement against the new legislation on the right of initiative after local elections. The party does not believe in a tight two-week deadline to conclude negotiations. ‘Within such a short timeframe, it is difficult to negotiate. This has also led to problems in many other municipalities.’
Vooruit hopes to find agreement by the end of the year. Antwerp socialists believe the new legislation does not work for a city like Antwerp. ‘It’s possible this new legislation ignores political reality, especially in big cities. We are not only talking about the city, but also about a world port and the engine of our economy. These are complex challenges.’
Groen on Wednesday announced it too would not be making use of its right of initiative to form a new city cabinet and didn't want to take part in an absurd spectacle.