Brussels, the Belgian city known as the „capital of Europe,” once again has a regional government after more than 600 days of negotiations and political deadlock.
The agreement was announced on Thursday evening after marathon discussions between seven parties, writes Politico.
The leader of the Francophone liberals, Georges-Louis Bouchez, posted an image on social media with "white smoke," signaling the conclusion of the agreement.
"We are relieved that after more than 600 days we have a government again in the capital of Europe," he said, noting that all seven parties have reached a common position.
Brussels had been without a regional executive after the elections in June 2024 due to disagreements over coalition formation. The political deadlock worsened the city's financial situation, facing a debt of approximately 15 billion euros and the risk of a budget crisis.
The negotiations this week involved the Francophone parties MR, PS, and Les Engagés, as well as the Flemish parties Groen, Vooruit, Open Vld, and CD&V.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever reacted cautiously to the announcement on the sidelines of an informal summit of European leaders. "I've seen the messages on WhatsApp about this agreement. I want to see first what it contains," he said, adding that "Brussels' budget has completely derailed."
Belgium has a complex federal system with three autonomous regions—French-speaking Wallonia, Dutch-speaking Flanders, and Brussels—each with its own government separate from the national executive.
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