“proof that Belgium does not work”

Key information

• Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) described Belgium as “the sum of two democracies” in an interview.
• According to him, the fact that negotiations on the federal government have lasted for six months proves that Belgium is not functioning.
• He nevertheless underlines the importance of a new government and reforms.

The fact that Belgium still does not have a federal government after six months is proof that Belgium is not functioning. This is what Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) says. He nevertheless underlines the importance of a new government which implements the necessary reforms.

At the end of September, after three and a half months of negotiations, the Flemish government negotiators threw up white smoke. Since then, Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) has held the title of Flemish Prime Minister.

Two democracies

Two and a half months later, federal negotiators led by his colleague Bart De Wever are far from having seen white smoke. “The situation is different and the subject is politically very sensitive,” Diependaele said in an interview with Knack.

“The federal training shows once again that Belgium is not working. Our analysis is well known: this country is the sum of two democracies, which unnecessarily complicates things. This is only being confirmed. Even with a clear electoral result, it takes months and months in this country before there is a government,” he continued.

The reforms

Of course, Matthias Diependaele remains behind De Wever as a trainer. “We urgently need a federal government that implements the necessary reforms. This is why the N-VA pulled so hard,” he concludes.

If you want access to all articles, subscribe here!