In this sense, the PS has not changed its line since the veto of the N-VA imposed by Brussels President Ahmed Laaouej in mid-November. Fifteen days later, the situation has not changed in Brussels. The PS is alone against everyone. Everyone is calling on Ahmed Laaouej to take his responsibilities, to engage his party in reforms essential for the survival of Brussels. “The capitulation of the Brussels PS looks more like a lack of courage in the face of the scale of the reforms to be carried out in Brussels. We need a solid government with partners capable of overcoming their partisan interests for the benefit of the general interest.”commented the leader of the Brussels Engagés Christophe De Beukelaer. “No one can be surprised by the institutional aspect of Elke Van Den Brandt’s note. It only reflects the programmatic points common between the Flemish parties around the table. We do not share this institutional project of the Dutch speakers either, but we are aware that we must simplify and fundamentally reform Brussels and are ready to defend our vision within the framework of a government negotiation.”
Formation of a government in Brussels: “Elke van den Brandt’s note is unacceptable for the PS”
While trainer David Leisterh “launches a clear call for the responsibility of all” et “takes note today of the unilateral decision of the PS to stop its participation in the negotiations. I am not abandoning Brussels. Even less in times of storm. The stakes are too high. The people of Brussels could not understand that political bickering prevents the redeployment of Brussels.”
Dutch speakers also denounce the “lack of sense of responsibility of the PS”says Cieltje Van Achter (N-VA) while the Open-VLD describes the attitude of the PS as” amazing”.
Knowing they are essential, the Brussels socialists have little interest in changing line. Yesterday, they criticized the negotiating partners for “call into question the institutional balances of the Brussels Region and the interests of French speakers”denounced “a step backwards of 25 years with the interference in regional negotiations of considerations which, by ignoring the realities of Brussels, respond more to national than regional dynamics. We have always opposed the placing under supervision of Brussels by the two Communities.”
The stagnation in Brussels is likely to last. By blocking negotiations, the socialists are certainly increasing pressure on their party but also on other political groups. “Ahmed Laaouej is in no hurry because he knows he is essential. Certainly, by playing his personal card instead of that of the general interest, he is subject to more and more criticism of his irresponsibility. On the other hand, he poses as a defender of the rights of French speakers. And can also raise the stakes in his favor”details an observer of Brussels political life. Which also reminds us that if the CD&V had agreed to join the team, Brussels would have had a government for several weeks…
