Belgium Forms New Government After Prolonged Negotiations

After nearly eight months of political negotiations, Belgium has finally formed a new government, marking a significant shift in the country’s governance.

The coalition deal brings Bart De Wever, leader of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), to the role of Prime Minister, making him the first right-wing nationalist to hold this position in the country’s history. The agreement concludes months of complex discussions between ideologically divergent parties, highlighting Belgium’s longstanding political fragmentation.

The Composition of the Coalition

The newly formed coalition, often referred to as the “Arizona coalition” due to the party colours resembling the Arizona state flag, comprises five parties:

• N-VA (New Flemish Alliance): A right-wing nationalist party advocating for greater autonomy for Flanders and economic liberalism.
• CD&V (Christian Democratic and Flemish): A centrist party with Christian democratic roots, historically influential in Belgian politics.
• Vooruit: A Flemish socialist party that played a key role in securing left-wing representation within the coalition.
• MR (Mouvement Réformateur): A francophone liberal party that has traditionally supported free-market policies.
• Les Engagés: A francophone centrist party with a focus on social policy and economic stability.

Together, these parties hold 82 of the 150 seats in Belgium’s national parliament, securing a comfortable majority. However, forming a coalition across Belgium’s linguistic divide—between Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia—remains an enduring challenge in the country’s political landscape.

Negotiation Challenges and Political Divisions

The lengthy coalition negotiations were marked by ideological divisions, particularly on fiscal and social policies. Bart De Wever, known for his strong advocacy of Flemish autonomy and free-market economics, pushed for tax cuts and extensive fiscal reforms, which met resistance from the left-leaning Vooruit party. The final agreement represents a compromise between economic liberalisation and maintaining Belgium’s social welfare commitments.

Belgium’s political system is uniquely complex, with multiple layers of governance across regional and linguistic lines. This results in drawn-out coalition negotiations, a phenomenon that has become common in the country. The 2010-2011 deadlock, lasting nearly 500 days, remains the longest government formation process in peacetime history.

Bart De Wever’s Political Trajectory and Leadership

Bart De Wever has been a dominant figure in Flemish politics since becoming leader of N-VA in 2004. As mayor of Antwerp since 2013, he has taken a tough stance on organised crime, particularly focusing on the influx of cocaine into the city’s port, one of Europe’s largest drug trafficking hubs. His policies have included stronger law enforcement measures and even proposals to involve the military in securing Antwerp’s port.

De Wever is also a vocal critic of what he describes as “woke” culture, arguing that certain progressive movements have driven some voters towards the far-right. His book, On Woke, reflects his ideological positioning against what he sees as excessive political correctness.

Key Policy Priorities of the New Government

The coalition agreement outlines a series of policy priorities that seek to balance economic reforms, security concerns, and social stability:

• Fiscal Policy and Budgetary Measures: The government plans to implement both budget cuts and targeted tax increases to address Belgium’s rising debt and budget deficits. This is expected to be a contentious issue, particularly with the left-wing parties.
• Pension Reform: Addressing the long-term sustainability of Belgium’s pension system is a key priority. Reforms are expected to include adjustments to the retirement age and pension contributions.
• Defence and Security: In line with European Union and NATO commitments, Belgium aims to increase its defence spending, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and growing security concerns across Europe.
• Migration Policy: Stricter asylum and immigration policies are set to be introduced, reflecting broader European trends towards tightening border controls and revising asylum procedures.

Exclusion of Vlaams Belang and Broader Political Implications

Despite its strong showing in the 2024 elections, the far-right Vlaams Belang was excluded from coalition negotiations. While the party has gained significant support in Flanders, its extreme positions and anti-establishment rhetoric made it an untenable coalition partner for the other parties. The decision to exclude Vlaams Belang from government reflects the mainstream parties’ reluctance to align with its far-right stance, maintaining a clear separation from its policies and ideology.

The rise of Bart De Wever and the N-VA to the premiership marks a significant shift in Belgium’s political landscape, reflecting the growing influence of right-wing nationalist movements. His leadership has drawn comparisons to Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party.

Impact on Belgium’s Relationship with the EU

Belgium’s new government is expected to maintain a pro-European stance, particularly given the presence of MR and CD&V in the coalition. However, N-VA’s emphasis on Flemish autonomy and greater regional control over fiscal policy could lead to tensions with Brussels, particularly regarding EU budgetary rules and regional funding allocations.

Conclusion: A Government with Challenges Ahead

While the formation of this government marks a significant political shift, it also presents challenges. Governing a diverse coalition with competing ideological priorities will require constant negotiation and compromise. The success of Bart De Wever’s leadership will depend on his ability to navigate these differences while implementing his party’s core policies.

With Belgium’s historical tendency for political instability, the durability of this coalition remains an open question. However, for now, the country has achieved the crucial task of forming a government—an achievement that, in itself, is no small feat in Belgian politics.

Image source: bx1.be

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