Five months after the elections, 68% of Belgians consider the slowness of the formation of a federal government unacceptable. Between preferences for the Arizona coalition and reluctance to see Bart De Wever as Prime Minister, the negotiations remain deadlocked.
According to the Ipsos Grand Barometer for RTL Info, The evening, The Latest News et VTMthe patience of the Belgians is running out. A clear majority (68%) believes that political parties take too long to form a government.
Walloons are the most critical (72%), followed by Flemish (66%) and Brussels residents (62%), the latter already accustomed to extended deadlines for their own regional government.
The Arizona coalition: a national preference
The results of the June 9 elections had suggested a possible majority with the Arizona coalition, bringing together the N-VA, the CD&V, Vooruit, the MR and Les Engagés. Despite this, the discussions bogged down.
However, Arizona seems to be the solution favored by citizens. A survey carried out in Flanders shows that 58% of Flemish people prefer this option, even if it means returning to the polls if it does not succeed.
Alternatively, the Lagon coalition, including the Open VLD in place of Vooruit, is perceived as fragile, with an increased risk of parliamentary blockages due to its very narrow majority.
An MR-Vooruit node on social issues
The main obstacle to negotiations is between the MR and Vooruit. Conner Rousseau, president of Vooruit, pleads for strong social measures, such as maintaining wage indexation and fairer taxation between social classes. His positions are supported by 50% of Belgians, and even 58% of Brussels residents.
Opposite, Georges-Louis Bouchez, at the head of the MR, sticks to more conservative positions, particularly on taxation. A majority of respondents (52%) nevertheless believe that he should make more concessions to keep Vooruit in the Arizona coalition.
Bart De Wever, between trainer and Prime Minister
Bart De Wever, president of the N-VA, continues his educational role despite persistent differences. If 53% of Belgians think that he strives to reconcile points of view, perceptions vary depending on the region: 60% of Flemish support him, compared to only 45% of Brussels and 41% of Walloons.
As for the possibility of him becoming Prime Minister, it is divisive. In Flanders, 56% approve of this idea, but in Wallonia (48% against) and in Brussels (46% against), reluctance persists. However, these figures show a slight drop in opposition compared to September, suggesting a shift in opinions.
To get around the blockages, Bart De Wever plans to use special powers, which would allow the government to govern via an enabling law from Parliament. A majority of respondents (49%) reject this idea, particularly in Brussels and Flanders.
On this day when Bart De Wever must report to the Palace, the observation is clear: the Belgians want a government quickly, with a clear preference for the Arizona coalition. However, differences over social priorities and key political figures, such as Bart De Wever, continue to fuel the debate.
Big Barometer Ipsos RTL info formation government Belgium coalition Arizona coalition Lagon Bart de Wever n-va CD&V vooruit mr les Engagés open vld conner rousseau georges-louis bouchez political negotiations
