Belgian Budget Talks: Five Parties Reach Agreement, Open VLD Delays Decision
Brussels, Belgium – A important step forward in Belgium’s budget negotiations occurred today as five of the six major political parties reached an agreement on a proposed budget framework.The discussions, held at the Solvay library, saw representatives from MR, PS, Les Engagés, Groen, and Vooruit converge to consider the proposal presented by formateur david Leisterh.
Leisterh and MR party chairman Georges-Louis Bouchez were the first to arrive at 2 p.m., initiating a series of bilateral meetings with other party leaders. Ahmed Laaouej (PS), Frédéric De Gucht (Open VLD), Elke van den Brandt (Groen), Christophe De Beukelaer (Les Engagés) – later joined by his party chairman Yvangstraete – and Ans persoons (Vooruit) also participated in the discussions.
The core of the agreement centers around a projected budget shortfall. sources indicate that MR,PS,Les Engagés,Groen,and Vooruit have agreed on a starting point of a €1.5 billion deficit. However, Open VLD is seeking a more conservative estimate of €1.2 billion.
Following the bilateral meetings, a brief plenary session was held. Formateur Leisterh announced that a follow-up meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon to continue the negotiations.
Open VLD has opted to consult its internal authorities before formally endorsing the framework,with a decision expected after deliberations on Saturday.
Context: Belgium has been navigating complex budget negotiations in recent months, aiming to address economic challenges and maintain fiscal stability. the formation of a new government and the approval of a budget are crucial for the country’s economic outlook.
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