Federal formation in trouble as De Wever prepares to report to king

Coalition government informateur Bart De Wever is expected at the royal palace today, to brief King Filip on the progress he has made in shaping a new federal coalition. Political analysts fear he may go empty handed; there is even speculation as to who should succeed him.

De Wever’s biggest problem is a lack of trust on the part of potential coalition partners CDH and MR. CDH fears that a “centre right” federal government with N-VA might harm its relations with the PS, the French speaking Christian-democrats’ partner in the new regional governments. Yesterday saw an ultimate attempt by De Wever to convince CDH with talks on the new government’s social and economic policies.

MR, meanwhile, is sceptical of CDH’s motives as they may be hoping for a return of PS at the federal level. MR would rather be the only French-speaking partner, but in that case Open VLD would be needed for a majority – an option that N-VA and CD&V refuse.

Kris Peeters, the main negotiator for CD&V, expressed some concern at a number of interviews acting prime minister Elio Di Rupo (PS) gave at the weekend. Di Rupo called N-VA a “separatist” party – an implicit warning to CDH.

“I have read and heard many things this weekend, including things that complicate matters,” Peeters said. Alexander De Croo (Open VLD), acting vice-prime minister, also asked for more restraint on the part of the prime minister.