BRUSSELS, Feb 1 (NNN-XINHUA) — Belgium’s King Philippe met with Bart De Wever, the federal government’s lead negotiator, at the Royal Palace in Brussels on Friday. During the meeting, De Wever presented a detailed report on the coalition agreement reached by the future governing partners.
The king extended De Wever’s mandate until the new government is officially appointed, with the swearing-in date yet to be announced.
As he left the palace, De Wever declined to comment to the media. This meeting marks a crucial step toward forming a stable governing coalition after months of political deadlock.
The new coalition, known as the “Arizona” alliance, brings together five major parties: the N-VA, the Flemish Christian Democrats (CD&V), the socialist Vooruit, the French-speaking Reformist Movement (MR), and the centrist Les Engages. Key priorities include tax reforms, pension changes, and boosting purchasing power, alongside tackling migration policies.
Belgium has been without a federal government since legislative elections in June 2024, prolonging a political deadlock. — NNN-XINHUA
