The next two weeks are crucial for the political future of Brussels. David Leisterh, President of the Brussels MR and designated formateur, is intensifying his efforts to bring together a solid majority within the Brussels Parliament. He announced that he would meet one last time with every responsible party that could be part of the government, in the hope of breaking the current deadlock.
Forming a government in Brussels is particularly complex due to its unique institutional structure. To establish a majority, three separate coalitions must be formed: a French-speaking one, a Dutch-speaking one and a joint one. After the regional elections on 9 June, the MR became the leading party, an unusual situation that surprised left-wing political formations.
After two months of talks, a French-speaking majority was formed, including the MR, Les Engagés and the PS. However, forming a Dutch-speaking majority proved far more difficult. To reach the required 9 seats, several combinations were considered, but internal disagreements and demands over ministerial posts complicated the negotiations.
After nearly six months of negotiations, a Dutch-speaking coalition made up of Groen, Vooruit, Open VLD and N-VA was finally proposed. However, this configuration led the PS to withdraw from the talks, refusing to work with N-VA. This decision left the French-speaking majority incomplete, plunging the government formation process into deadlock.
Since then, David Leisterh has been working to persuade the various parties to return to the negotiating table. He called on everyone to show a "sense of responsibility and sacrifice" to overcome the current deadlock. Aware of the urgency of the situation, he has set a two-week ultimatum to reach an agreement.
The coming days will be decisive for the region's political future.