Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – After 7 months of political negotiation, Belgium formed a new cabinet under N-VA leader Bart De Wever, who will become prime minister. Public leaders share diverse perspectives about the agreement regarding national stability but disagree on how the social welfare aspects affect the country.
Bart De Wever’s N-VA government coalition has received divergent reactions across political circles, the trade union movement, and business leadership groups in Belgium. Seven months of negotiation led to the finalisation of an agreement, which some people view positively toward stability, but others view negatively because of its socio-economic effects.
Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele lauded the effort, stating,
After months of hard work and perseverance, this is an important step for the protection of our Flemish prosperity – crucial given the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, Wallonia’s Minister-President Adrien Dolimont called it “excellent news for our country,” emphasising the importance of cohesion between government levels. Eva De Bleeker from Open Vld opposed the wealth tax plans since she believed they would damage businesses.
Bart Dhondt, as chairman of Groen, predicted that this agreement would make poverty worse for defenceless social groups. The trade union organisation ACLVB expressed positive hopes after reviewing the new agreement, but ACV/CSC saw minimal benefits for workers.
The public reception of Belgium’s coalition agreement stands out for its extreme disagreement between opposing viewpoints. Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele congratulated Bart De Wever for his perseverance in forming the government and highlighted its importance for “Flemish prosperity.” Similarly, Wallonia’s Adrien Dolimont expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasising that “cohesion between different levels of government is essential.”
The French-speaking liberal party MR described the pact as “the agreement the country needs,” with leader Georges Bouchez stating on Instagram,
The future is looking brighter tonight. For Belgium, for every Belgian. We are ready.
However, opposition parties voiced strong criticisms. Eva De Bleeker of Open Vld criticised the introduction of a wealth tax and remarked that
this is not a good day for those who work, save, and do business in this country.
Groen chairman Bart Dhondt predicted that the agreement would lead to “misery and a higher risk of poverty” for retirees, job seekers, and newcomers. Tom Van Grieken from Vlaams Belang argued that the government should listen to election results and warned about national stagnation because of their budget reductions and immigration rules. The agreement received analysis from trade union representatives.
The liberal ACLVB/CGSLB federation showed positive approval while stressing that structural workplace changes were required to support workers.
Chairman Gert Truyens stated,
We want to collaborate on finding solutions but also expect our key points to be taken seriously.
The spokesperson from ACV/CSC expressed pessimistic views about the budget, indicating minimal positive changes for staff and retirees.
According to the chemical companies, there is an urgent need for “a decisive policy that positions Belgium as an attractive location for international investment.” This can be achieved, Essenscia said, by reducing energy costs, stimulating innovation, and decreasing administrative burdens.
Vooruit begins its conference meetings on Saturday at 5.00 p.m. in Sint-Niklaas with the Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie, then following on Sunday at 10 a.m. in Antwerp, followed by the Mouvement Réformateur in Brussels. Both Les Engagés and CD&V are scheduled for meetings on Sunday in addition to the scheduled gathering of Les Engagés in Liège at 3:30 p.m.
Why does this agreement matter?
Belgium maintains a fragmented political environment sustained by prolonged coalition negotiations because it functions as three distinct regions of Dutch-speaking Flanders alongside French-speaking Wallonia and multilingual Brussels.
A seven-month political stalemate emerged after the 2024 federal election because parties failed to unite on budget cuts, tax hikes, and pension reform measures. N-VA party under Bart De Wever helped form the governing coalition alongside socialists from Vooruit Christian Democrats from CD&V, liberal parties from MR, and centrist party Les Engagés. Such a coalition possesses 81 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
Belgium’s national debt surpasses 100% of its GDP, which makes it one of the highest in the European Union, thus requiring immediate fiscal action. However, the coalition’s social welfare policy package faces objection because it cuts expenses for citizens while exempting corporate entities from changes.
Belgium set a historic record for extended government formation between 2010 and 2011 when ministers maintained power for 541 days, but the most recent negotiation reached 236 days amidst profound political disagreements.
The incoming government will deal with multiple complexities to solve important challenges involving pension systems and labour market transformations. The political trajectory of Belgium after this coalition government faces continued assessment from every segment of society.
