Egbert Lachaert, Open VLD faction leader in the Flemish Parliament, believes his party needs to clearly define its relationship with the Mouvement Réformateur (MR) once the federal political landscape is clarified.
The Flemish Liberal parliamenarian made remarks to this effect on Wednesday during an appearance on the VRT 1’s Villa Politica programme.
Lachaert was responding to the ambitions of MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez, who has hinted for some time now at a possible merger with Open VLD or the creation of a Flemish branch of his Francophone Liberal party.
Much will depend on the MR's role in the coalition ...
“Georges-Louis is a good friend of mine, and I know he loves coming to Flanders, including appearing in the media,” Lachaert said. However, once “the federal cards are clearly laid out,” the Flemish liberals will need to consider their relationship with MR, he said.
Unlike Open VLD, MR is involved in negotiations to form a federal coalition government, but it is still uncertain whether this government will take shape.
Lachaert sees opportunities for his party in the opposition, even if the Francophone Liberal party joins the government. “This will depend on MR’s exact role in the coalition. If Bouchez remains on the sidelines, as he did in the Vivaldi government, that could be advantageous for us in the opposition,” he said.
The former Open VLD president suggests this situation might pose a problem for the federal formateur, Nieuw Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) president Bart De Wever. “Bart De Wever could find himself in the same position as Alexander De Croo (the outgoing Open VLD prime minister)," Lachaert said. "I think he is aware of this.”
Few options if the coalition talks fail
If the current coalition talks fail, Lachaert sees few other options. He considers the pathway without Vooruit and with Open VLD, briefly explored in Autumn, to be unrealistic. “CD&V and Les Engagés are firmly opposed to this, so I don’t see it happening," he notes. "Moreover, the majority would be very slim (one seat). There aren’t many other scenarios, which might lead to elections.”
Lachaert also elaborated on Open VLD’s future during the interview. New party president Eva De Bleeker announced at a New Year reception on Monday that a founding congress will be held in September, where a new party, including a new name, will be established. This is a positive development, according to Lachaert. “The party has governed for 25 years; now, as we move to the opposition, we need to create a new narrative.”
He believes the party should move beyond debates about seasoned leaders like Vincent Van Quickenborne or outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo continuing in parliament.
“These people were elected by the public and will stay until they decide to do something else. They can play significant roles,” Lachaert said. “We should stop the public self-flagellation and work as a new team to help write Eva De Bleeker’s story.”
