There were first exchanges between the president of the MR, Georges-Louis Bouchez, and his Flemish counterpart, Conner Rousseau (Vooruit). The animosity which governs the relationship between the socialist and the liberal is not new, nor unknown to the general public, but it tends to strain conversations. “Very harsh words” which related to tax files were exchanged.
Copyright in tech
Several sources of different political colors present that evening at the Palais de la Nation report that things really got heated when discussions focused on copyright reform, a legislative project implemented by Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem (CD&V) which financially impacts several professions, including software developers.
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Georges-Louis Bouchez, who is particularly keen to defend the world of tech and the innovations it generates, then sharply threatened Vincent Van Peteghem. “I will personally ensure that you find another job and that you never become finance minister again.”he told her, report the Flemish media. It was one word too many for Sammy Mahdi. The president of the CD&V then personally intervened to defend his minister and inform him that his statements were “inconvenient”. Liberal response? “If you ever win the election, you can talk to me.”
Theo Francken was particularly surprised by the tone used. “Oui”it was virulent, the N-VA deputy confirms to us.
“Trop is too much!”comments another negotiator from another group who preferred to remain anonymous. “Georges-Louis Bouchez does not realize the antipathy he generates among certain presidents by acting in this way. It is normal that the debate on certain matters can be blocked. We must then look for solutions. But we started with something completely different. Personal attacks are not okay. We have to contain ourselves. This kind of statement is completely unnecessary. There are things you can't say. What he said to Van Peteghem was outrageous.”
“Little kid”: the outburst of Georges-Louis Bouchez exasperated by the behavior of Conner Rousseau
Several negotiators who were in opposition during the last legislature see in these stunts the stigma of the De Croo government. “Vivaldi has left enormous traces, we realize that.”
At the end of August, the president of the MR had already had a breakdown, exasperated by the behavior of his socialist counterpart. Bouchez had called Rousseau “little kid”. Here, it seems that the tone has gone a step further. The liberal does not want a Vivaldi II.
A French speaker sums up the situation: “Negotiations must resume in a more peaceful manner.”
