New Brussels government to present coalition today

Six parties were due today to present a coalition to form the new Brussels government. They are, on the Flemish side, socialists SP.A, Christian-democrats CD&V and liberals Open VLD; on the French-speaking side socialists PS, Christians CDH and militant francophones FDF.

According to Laurette Onkelinx (PS), who was chairing the negotiations, the agreement was reached on Saturday, with all that remained at the weekend being the reading of the final text. The three Flemish parties are carrying on from before the election, but without Groen, whose secretary of state, Bruno De Lille, is now out of office.

The Flemish parties began the search for a coalition by refusing to work with the FDF, but those objections have been overcome after guarantees on community matters and on the protection of reforms already agreed.

The exact details are not yet known, but the agreement is expected to contain a commitment to fiscal reform in 2017 and to more efficient working on urban planning. Priorities for mobility include the extension of the metro to Schaerbeek and Evere, as well as a study of the broadening of the North-South link with Uccle.

One sought-after development that has still to be confirmed is a rent allowance to help those on lower incomes meet the higher rent demands in Brussels, with sums in the region of €150-€200 a month being mentioned.

Each of the negotiators must now take the deal back to his or her party for their approval, after which the portfolios will be handed out. Guy Vanhengel (Open VLD) (pictured with Onkelinx on Saturday) and Pascal Smet (SP.A) seem almost certain to be named as ministers, with the position of Brigitte Grouwels (CD&V) less clear.

Photo: Laurie Dieffembacq/Belga