Brussels government sworn in

The final obstacle to the formation of a Brussels government was overcome last weekend when the French-speaking Christian-democrat party CDH voted to join the coalition. The decision means the Brussels government will be composed of the Flemish parties Open VLD, SP.A and CD&V, with the French-speaking PS, FDF and CDH.   

The five ministerial posts have already been allocated between the parties. On the Flemish side, Guy Vanhengel of the Flemish liberals Open VLD will control finance, budgetary affairs, foreign affairs and the image of Brussels, while Pascal Smet of the Flemish socialists SP.A is in charge of public works, transport and taxi policy.

On the French-speaking side, the socialist party PS, which won the largest share of the vote, has reappointed Rudi Vervoort as Brussels minister-president. Didier Gosuin of the French-speaking FDF will be in charge of employment and training, the economy, foreign trade and the fire service, while Céline Fremault of CDH is placed in charge of environment, nature protection, agriculture, energy and housing.

The three state secretaries for the Brussels region have also been appointed, with Fadila Laanan of PS responsible for urban planning, policy and renovation, students, the port of Brussels, tourism, cleanliness, sport, scientific research, civil servants and administrative simplification.

Bianca Debaets of CD&V takes on a portfolio that includes the digital economy, equal opportunities, animal welfare, development aid and road safety. The third state secretary post is taken up by Cécile Jodogne of the FDF, whose responsibilities have still to be confirmed.

The new government was sworn in on Sunday at a ceremony in the region’s parliament. This is the first time the government of the Brussels region has been composed equally of men and women.

Photo (L-R): Bianca Debaets, Pascal Smet, Cécile Jodogne, Guy Vanhengel, Rudi Vervoort, Céline Fremault, Didier Gosuin and Fadila Laanan. Courtesy Brussels Parliament