Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Georges-Louis Bouchez says Brussels government talks are progressing to avoid bankruptcy. Elke Van den Brandt criticizes him for media stunts. Talks need French–Dutch support. Budget urgency is important.
As VRT News reported, Georges-Louis Bouchez, the leader of the liberal MR party, says that talks to create a new government in Brussels are going well. He expects a decision soon. Bouchez said these talks are important because Brussels needs a budget to avoid going bankrupt.
He mentioned that a new government must be formed to make a budget. He also said the new government needs support from both French and Dutch speakers, as Brussels is a bilingual city. The goal is to create a government that works well, manages money wisely, and represents everyone, even though the talks have been difficult and slow.
What Bouchez’s change in tone means for Brussels talks
Bouchez is becoming less critical of Ahmed Laaouej, who is often blamed for slowing down the government talks. Bouchez says that having Laaouej’s party in the government isn’t his ideal situation, but he respects the outcome of the recent elections.
Bouchez has changed from denigrating Laaouej to being more diplomatic and suggests he wants to work together for the stability of Brussels. He states this is a fundamental difference from the previous altercations between the 2 parties and could be different ways of navigating the negotiations
“We have to stop naming the main obstacle,”
Says Bouchez, who is otherwise not averse to a strong attack.
Elke Van den Brandt, the Brussels leader of the Green party, criticised Georges-Louis Bouchez’s statements about the new Brussels regional government. Bouchez said that things were going well, but Van den Brandt was sceptical. She said that Bouchez was using political showmanship instead of negotiating.
She pointed out that Bouchez often makes big announcements on important days to get media attention. Van den Brandt believes that this kind of behaviour makes the serious work of forming a government seem less important.
Van den Brandt said she’s been ready to negotiate for months, but real talks happen privately, not in public. She believes Bouchez cares more about publicity than getting things done. She is upset because Brussels is important for Belgium and Europe. She stated that Brussels shouldn’t be treated like a game by a party leader.
