Negotiations to form Belgium's next government have widely been likened to a marathon, one that the man leading the talks insists is in the "last leg". But after eight months of bitter disputes, leaked policy proposals, and clashing egos, it feels more like the last round of a monumental wrestling match that has pitched the five coalition partners against each other.
The chances of any of them emerging with a deal they are excited about now seems fantasy. Bart De Wever sounded more defeatist than defiant when on Monday he voiced some home truths, namely that the next government has the unenviable task of "saving more than €20 billion", which will make their mandate a painful five years at the helm rather than a glorious crusade in the name of Belgian prosperity.
But if things look bad for the Federal Government, the Brussels government has all but been written off as a lost cause. The negotiators are simply refusing to come to table, locked in an ideological battle that the francophone socialists refuse to step down from. Belgium's capital is hopelessly blocked, with a deficit that in 2024 had grown to €14.5 billion, up from €5.5 billion in 2018.
It's the pinnacle of an all-consuming bureaucracy that Belgium has come to embody, to the exasperation of businesses. And increasingly the city's residents, many of whom have tuned out of the Brussels headache – especially expats still confounded by the profusion of governments and authorities that dictate who does what in Belgium.
Those less attentive to the convulsions of political wrangling might not notice the consequences until they are deprived of something they had previously taken for granted. This could become the case with the popular guinguettes – the outdoor bars that are some of the most pleasant meeting spots on those halcyon summer days we dream of.
The temporary bars, which are set up in prime locations around the capital's parks, are part funded by the region. But without a government to sign off on the permits and money, the guinguettes of 2025 are in jeopardy. Could this be the wake-up call for Brussels residents about the extent of the political failure?
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1. ‘At the finish line’: Will Belgium finally get a new government this week?
"Everything has been on the table for months, everything has been talked about, and there is not going to be anything extra. It is time to decide." Read more.
2. ‘Every trace is missing’: Belgium gripped by mystery of a woman last seen in 2010
Her friend told the police she suddenly disappeared along with all her belongings in 2010. However, no one reported this, including her boyfriend. Read more.
3. Nainggolan cocaine case: Footballer to appear before examining magistrate on Tuesday
Due to the timing of his hearing, famous footballer and former Belgian Red Devil Radja Nainggolan spent the night in police custody. Read more.
4. ‘Characterful and distinctive’: Brussels bar crowned best in Europe
The legendary Brussels café was a well-known haunt for Belgian artists such as surrealist artist René Magritte, author Hugo Claus and comic artist Hergé. Read more.
5. Record number of visas for family reunification in Belgium
Reunification is strictly regulated and applicants must have support from a family member earning at least €2,089 net per month. But for refugees the rules are relaxed. Read more.
6. Russian gas imports into Europe rose by almost 20% last year
The terminals of the Belgian company Fluxys are one of the central hubs. Read more.
7. Renovation grants cost Brussels nearly twice as much as expected
"We expected the budget to be too short, but we could not have foreseen the extent of the overspend." Read more.
