However, behind this symbolic act, negotiations to form a coalition continue. All the themes have been discussed, the majority agreement is therefore being drafted. All that remains is to distribute the skills to the new college. The socialists will obtain four positions, including the mayorate which will be occupied by Charles Spapens, while Ecolo and the PTB obtain three mandates.
“An important first step”
Since the evening of October 13, exchanges between the PS, the PTB and Ecolo have taken place in an atmosphere “very constructive and friendly”. The confirmation of this coalition to the members of the local socialist should take place next week.
“This is an important first step which was made official today”recognizes the new mayor, Charles Spapens, “but we do not yet have an effective majority agreement.” The local sections of the three parties must still validate this agreement before officially presenting it but the content is already finalized. “We had enough confidence in each other to sign the act and to work together to implement a serious program.”
The last legislature was marked by a sharp increase in municipal taxes. The arrival of the PTB therefore worries some owners, who fear a further increase in property tax. “We are going to have budgetary rigor. We have no desire to increase additional cents,” tempers the future mayor.
“Progressive majority”
The latter wants to reassure the Foresters. “We must stop pitting our residents against each other. I will be there for all Foresters. We are going to adopt a policy that unites with a progressive majority.” A response to the MR + Défi list, sent back to the opposition, which insists that“ e“By signing for such a majority, PS and Ecolo bear the heavy responsibility for the choice of division.”
“PS and Ecolo bear the heavy responsibility for the choice of division”: In Forest, MR and Défi denounce the rise of the PTB in the majority
Forest was also at the center of the news with the announcement of the withdrawal of Audi’s latest potential buyer. The new majority wants to be reassuring. “The agreement is very clear, we want to make the Audi site attractive to the private sector.”
On the PTB side, leader Simon De Beer was able to achieve the PTB’s objective by joining this new majority. “We are very proud to be able to bring this first experience to Brussels. The negotiations went well, with quality discussions enabling this agreement to be reached.”
The signing of the act of presentation should make it possible to launch the procedures so that the new coalition can be sworn in on December 1, as agreed.
