Political crisis grips Belgium

Yves Leterme, Belgium’s prime minister designate, mandated to form a new government after the 10 June elections, has resigned, raising questions about the future of the country that hosts the main European institutions.

The leader of the Flemish Christian Democrat party (CD&V) Yves Leterme, on 23 August 2007, surrendered his mandate to form a government coalition after nearly six weeks of negotiations failed to provide any substantial convergence between the main winners of the 10 June elections (EURACTIV 11/06/07). 

The main stumbling block in the four-party talks, involving the Christian Democrats and Liberals from Flanders and Wallonia, was Leterme’s party’s demand for more regional powers in areas such as justice and transport, but also in fields such as employment and social security – a move which Francophone parties said would substantially empty the federal state of its substance. 

Belgium is a federal state made up of into three regions, with the economically strong Flanders to the North and a French-speaking South, Wallonia, embroiled in deep industrial restructuring. Between the two, lies Brussels, the capital and third region, officially bilingual, but de facto, mainly Francophone despite being embedded in Flanders. 

The richer Flanders has been eyeing increased autonomy for years, but Wallonia is vigorously opposed. Divisions however appear at an all time high, as Francophones start to resent Leterme’s attitude – often perceived as disparaging – towards them. 

King Albert II is now expected to nominate a mediator – most likely a Francophone this time – to sound out political leaders on what government should be formed based on the 10 June election results. 

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