Fresh progress in Brussels talks spawns hopes for weekend solution

Fresh progress in Brussels talks spawns hopes for weekend solution
© Belga

Representatives of six political groups in the Brussels Region seeking to hammer out a majority agreement resumed their discussions on Tuesday afternoon.

The negotiators, representing the socialists, ecologists, DéFi and Open Vld, had begun a marathon session on Monday morning at 9.30. The talks continued until midnight, with the representatives remaining as tight-lipped as they have over the past few days.

In addition to mobility, economy, labour and training, they also completed their examination of environmental matters and social affairs (at the bi-community level), Belga reports. 

Tuesday’s working session was reportedly scheduled to focus on the delicate issue of public property, which could again take them the better part of the evening and night.

Queried at length, upon her arrival, on the impact of the political situation in Wallonia, socialist negotiator Laurette Onkelinx said the negotiators around the table were determined to “see things through”.

“The negotiation has started well. It’s constructive,” she added, intimating that there was no question of changing the composition of the team to bring in the Reformist Movement, MR.

A source close to the negotiators said the discussions could yield positive results by the weekend. Provisional dates have begun to circulate between the parties for the organisation of assemblies, councils and even congresses, starting early next week or just after.

Many of the negotiators are still aiming for the symbolic target date of 21 July for the installation of the future majority and government of Brussels Region.

The Brussels Times


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