Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – New foreign minister, Bernard Quintin has insisted on the swift formation of a Brussels regional government to cope with the city’s pressing problems and maintain its position as a “global capital of diplomacy.”
Belgium’s newly designated Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin has urged political parties in Brussels to rapidly form a regional government to protect the city’s status as “the global capital of diplomacy.” Bernard Quintin’s statement follows the collapse of regional government discussions led by the Socialist Party (PS), the victor of the elections.
The Brussels branch of the PS reported that it would no longer partake in the talks. The party cited protests to the demands of Flemish parties, especially the New Flemish Alliance (right-wing N-VA).
As reported by Belga News Agency, the foreign minister said “Brussels is the capital of the kingdom, the seat of numerous European institutions, NATO, and other international organisations. This status cannot be taken for granted. A government is required to address the significant problems Brussels faces and to ensure that it can maintain its position.”
“I do not understand why people are leaving the negotiating table even before negotiations have begun,” Quintin said on the PS decision to quit the formation discussions.
What are the implications of N-VA’s involvement in Brussels politics?
Moreover, Brussels mayor Philippe Close, also PS vice-chair, supported the party’s decision. He blamed N-VA for trying to dictate policy to a region where it has little backing. “We don’t want Brussels to be governed from Antwerp by a party that lost the elections and is backed by less than 2% of Brussels voters,” Close expressed, referring to N-VA chairman Bart De Wever, who is the mayor of Antwerp.
Philippe Close further blamed the Flemish parties for attempting to “force confederalism” on the city, with a “horror catalog” of proposals that could damage the Brussels model. He did not rule out a return to talks if the N-VA left the talks. “Another formula is possible,” Close said.
