Yesterday's Brief considered the complexity of forming a government in Brussels, where securing a majority is made more difficult by the requirements designed to represent Belgium's language communities. The stipulations of the Brussels model seem more to exacerbate differences than promote political cohesion.
And whilst the federal system isn't tied by the same constraints – the cordon sanitaire the most significant factor that influences what coalitions are possible – it has been no easier to agree on a government. Six months have now passed since the elections and Belgium is bored of the deadlock (and I'm bored of relaying it). The man leading the negotiations, Bart De Wever, is bored of seeing the King, who yesterday afternoon he met for the 13th time in his capacity as formator.
Their conversation had changed little from the previous occasions: the "Arizona" coalition of five parties that will form the next government still can't agree on a programme of reforms. And so whilst there is no change to the participants of Belgium's next government, there is no clarity on when they will finally assume office.
Discussions are stuck on a fundamental disagreement between the francophone liberals MR and the Flemish socialists Vooruit. Their quarrel focuses on tax and who should shoulder the burden of cuts and higher taxes needed to set national finances in order. The socialists want wealthier individuals and companies to take the strain and accuse MR of protecting the rich. MR of course rejects this analysis, arguing that it defends entrepreneurs and working individuals.
The liberals also take every opportunity to remind Vooruit that they are a smaller party as voters swung firmly to the right. But this overlooks the principles of politics in a country bound by compromise.
Meanwhile, "be responsible" echoes from all political corners, a refrain that paints all partners as selfish saboteurs and exhorts the need to accept the hard realities of the deal.
De Wever will meet the King again on 20 December. But hope has all but been extinguished for a government for Christmas.
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1. New milestone for Belgium: Six months without a government
Negotiators called for intensive talks lasting "seven days out of seven, from dusk till dawn," to meet the new Christmas deadline. Read more.
2. Lack of Brussels Government ‘serious threat’ to essential services, warn 360 NGOs
Some 360 organisations have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding funding for a significant portion of their activities from 1 January. Read more.
3. Benefits fraud scandal: Former president of Anderlecht CPAS denies cronyism
"At no time was there any special favours. I never influenced any individual decisions, there was never any cronyism." Read more.
4. ‘Why were cornflakes invented?’ – Google reveals Belgium’s top trends in 2024
To mark the end of the year, Google revealed in its 'Year in searches' what people in Belgium searched for the most in 2024. Read more.
5. ‘Aldi artworks’ by renowned Belgian artist reselling for 20 times the original price
Works by renowned Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen were for sale for just €24.99 at Aldi this weekend. They are now being resold online for over €500. Read more.
6. ‘Significant overpainting’ found during restoration of Mystic Lamb painting
The restoration sparked controversy after the restored central image of a lamb appeared 'alarmingly humanoid'. Read more.
7. Didier Reynders: National Lottery and Georges-Louis Bouchez have their say
The National Lottery has expressed dismay at "unjustified attacks on its reputation", while Bouchez says that "as MR leader, it does not concern me." Read more.
