There will be no new Brussels government without both the Reformist Movement (MR) and the Socialist Party (PS), who emerged as the leading parties in the June 2024 elections, according to Christophe De Beukelaer, leader of Les Engagés in the capital.
Both parties have the responsibility and obligation to engage in dialogue and collaborate to resolve Brussels’ current political deadlock, De Beukelaer stated on Tuesday. He emphasised that the MR should reach out to the PS, which must respond constructively, and noted that Les Engagés are ready to assist positively in this endeavour.
De Beukelaer expressed doubt that the MR’s proposal alone could secure a majority, despite past agreements between the MR and PS, including a fiscal plan, during negotiations last summer and information sessions led by former informants Elke Van den Brandt and De Beukelaer in February.
He stressed that regardless of the method, the two parties need to re-establish contact and reconvene. More than a year into “the worst political stalemate since the creation of the Brussels Region,” most Brussels residents have lost interest, he observed.
De Beukelaer warned that the capital’s autonomy, along with the achievements of past political leaders, is at risk, and the entire political class’s reputation is suffering.
He clarified that the Dutch-speaking majority is not inherently to blame for the deadlock, suggesting that resolutions are possible without involving extreme or vetoed parties like N-VA and TFA.
Finally, De Beukelaer urged the MR and PS to consider their responsibilities toward the state. He highlighted that companies and the social and health sectors, which MR and PS respectively claim to support, are being severely affected by the impasse.
Related News
- Brussels Government deadlock: MR organises meeting with 'all democratic parties' – but not PS
- Brussels Government deadlock: MR 'roundtable' meeting 'unlikely to lead anywhere'
- One year without a Brussels Government: Timeline and explainer of political disarray
- One year without a Brussels Government - Where do we come from, where do we go?
