Matthias Diependaele (N-VA), the formateur of the Flemish government, has affirmed that he hopes to reach a majority agreement by the time of the political return to Flanders in September. His statements came as negotiations resumed on Tuesday, dealing particularly with economic questions.
"It's money time!" said Conner Rousseau, leader of Vooruit, on Tuesday after a holiday week put the negotiations on pause. His comment referred to the discussions on economic affairs, notably on spending by the Flemish government.
The Flemish negotiators (as with those negotiating the federal government) took a week-long holiday last week. Diependaele primarily used the time to clarify Flanders’ financial situation, findings that he shared with potential major partners CD&V and Vooruit.
“It was a beneficial and well-deserved holiday, and I think we now need to make something of it,” Diependaele said upon his arrival at Place des Martyrs, Brussels, where discussions are taking place. He believes that a majority agreement can still be reached by the traditional September Declaration (23 September), and maintains this as a realistic timeline. "I believe it’s still a good goal to set ourselves."
On the subject of the discussions, Diependaele was reserved. Similarly, there was silence from CD&V representatives. Rousseau said only that he was "not wedded" to the goal of a balanced budget by 2027. "We desire healthy finances but we also want healthy citizens, schools, and healthcare staff."
