Belgian political parties are facing a deadline to form a coalition government after seven months of negotiations. The success hinges on the agreement of five parties, including the Flemish nationalist N-VA and the socialist Vooruit party, who have differing stances on social benefits and economic policies. If successful, a new government is expected to be announced over the weekend, with Bart De Wever, from the N-VA party, likely to become prime minister.
Belgian politicians faced a deadline on Friday to agree on a government program and end a seven-month deadlock in coalition talks. If the five parties reach a consensus on a joint blueprint, a new government is expected to be announced over the weekend. Bart De Wever , from the Flemish nationalist N-VA party, is likely to become prime minister, succeeding Alexander De Croo who has remained in office as a caretaker since the June elections last year.
Belgium's coalition governments are notoriously difficult to form, further complicated by the need to balance the interests of Dutch-speaking Flanders (6.7 million people), French-speaking Wallonia (3.7 million), and multilingual Brussels (1.2 million). The socialist Vooruit party from northern Flanders played a crucial role in the negotiations. Their agreement to join a program that would cut social benefits while largely leaving big business untouched was seen as key to bridging the divide. The move is part of an attempt to tackle the nation's debt-burdened budget, which totals just over 100% of GDP, placing Belgium among the worst in the 27-nation European Union.If successful, the coalition would include the Flemish nationalist N-VA, the francophone MR free-market liberals, the centrist CD&V and Engages, and Vooruit. Together, they would control 81 of 150 seats in the House for a comfortable majority. The length of the coalition talks, however, highlighted the fundamental differences between the parties and the challenges of reaching a compromise
BELGIUM COALITION GOVERNMENT POLITICAL DEADLOCK BART DE WEVER VOORUIT PARTY N-VA PARTY EUROPEAN UNION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Formula 1 Extends Belgian Grand Prix Contract, But Race Faces DroppingFormula 1 has renewed its agreement with the Belgian Grand Prix, but the iconic race will be absent from the schedule in 2028 and 2030. The extended contract, commencing next year, encompasses races only in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031.
Read more »
Ireland's Center-Right Parties Reach Deal to Form GovernmentFianna Fail and Fine Gael have agreed to form a coalition government with the Regional Independent Group, ending weeks of negotiations following a hung parliament election. This marks the continuation of their longstanding partnership, though the inclusion of the Independents adds a new dynamic. The deal awaits ratification by party members and a new parliament is scheduled to convene on January 22nd.
Read more »
Cheryl Hines Praises 'All Parties' as Husband RFK Jr. Exits Presidential Race, Endorses TrumpActress Cheryl Hines, wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., praised the event that marked her husband's exit from the 2024 presidential race and his endorsement of Donald Trump. The celebration, featuring performances by Jewel, Carrie Underwood, and Nelly, aimed to promote unity and a healthier future.
Read more »
Belgian Runner Completes Year of Daily MarathonsHilde Dosogne, a Belgian ultra runner, achieved an extraordinary feat by completing 366 consecutive marathons in a year. She aims to set a Guinness World Record for the first woman to accomplish this. Dosogne ran over 15,444 kilometers in 2024, raising funds for breast cancer research.
Read more »
The Leopard: A Belgian Drama Explores a Disturbing Gift'The Leopard,' a Belgian drama set for an early 2025 release, delves into the life of Ed Bex, a man who experiences visions of the past after tasting objects. His unique ability initially helps grieving families reconstruct their loved ones' final moments. However, he is drawn into a murder investigation when a police inspector utilizes his peculiar talent to solve the case.
Read more »
Belgian Runner Completes 366-Day Marathon ChallengeHilde Dosogne achieves a historic feat by running a marathon every day for a year, aiming to set a new world record.
Read more »