As expected, Belgian King Philippe once again extended the assignment of trainer Bart De Wever (N-VA). This is the 14e extension of his mandate as trainer. This time, he has a deadline until Tuesday January 7.
>> Bart De Wever appointed trainer of the federal government by King Philippe
>> Belgium: the king accepts the resignation of Bart De Wever, “trainer” of the federal government
| N-VA President Bart De Wever (left) and King Philippe of Belgium. |
| Photo : AFP/VNA/CVN |
The King has once again extended the training mission of Bart De Wever. The Antwerp mayor and president of the Flemish nationalist party N-VA will have to submit a new report to the sovereign on January 7, the Palace announced at the end of a short half-hour audience this Friday, December 20.
In his press release, the Head of State is however insistent: Philippe indicated to Bart De Wever that he hoped “a decisive breakthrough at the start of 2025“.
The move aims to give negotiators more time to overcome remaining obstacles and form a government capable of responding to current challenges. Since the legislative elections last June, Belgium has been without a federal government. Current discussions focus on the formation of a so-called “Arizona” coalition, bringing together the N-VA, the Reform Movement (MR), Les Engagés, Vooruit and the CD&V.
Negotiations touched on sensitive topics such as migration and taxation, without reaching a final agreement.
The next few weeks will be crucial for Belgium. Negotiators will need to step up their efforts to reach an agreement, not only to form a stable government, but also to meet the European Union's budgetary demands.
Belgium must submit to the European Commission a draft budgetary plan for 2025, accompanied by a multi-year path for cleaning up public finances, including reforms and investments.
Xinhua/VNA/CVN
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