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3mo ago

Belgium Forms New Government After Seven-Month Deadlock

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever becomes prime minister, leading a five-party coalition tasked with addressing Belgium's budget deficit and regional divides.

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Conservative Bart De Wever is due to report on progress to Belgium's King Philippe before midnight on talks to form a new government 
Over the years, Bart De Wever has toned down the more radical pleas for Flemish independence of his youth

Overview

  • Bart De Wever, leader of the Flemish nationalist N-VA party, has been appointed Belgium’s new prime minister following protracted coalition negotiations lasting 236 days.
  • The five-party coalition, dubbed the 'Arizona coalition,' includes Flemish and Francophone parties spanning the political spectrum from left to right.
  • The coalition holds a majority of 81 seats in Belgium's 150-seat parliament, ensuring a stable governing framework after months of political uncertainty.
  • Key challenges for the new government include addressing Belgium's budget deficit, which exceeds 100% of GDP, and managing regional tensions between Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and multilingual Brussels.
  • De Wever’s appointment marks the first time a Flemish nationalist leads Belgium, with his party advocating for greater regional autonomy through a confederal model.