2024-11-14 14:29:00
Update
November 14, 2024
15:29
Is Arizona a make or break? An important meeting is underway between the five parties, after Vooruit noted “significant openings” in the trainer’s proposals.
What will Vooruit do? This is the question of the moment. More precisely: will the Flemish socialists return to the negotiating table with the four other parties (N-VA, MR, CD&V, Engagés) who have been trying, since July, to form a so-called “Arizona” government?
This Thursday, Conner Rousseaupresident of Vooruit, indicated that he had received “a new proposal, which contains important openings”. He clarified somewhat what it is: “More contributions from the richest, maintaining indexation and expenses distributed more equitably”.
A meeting of the five parties
“If these openings are real, we can get somewhere. If these openings turn out to be fake, we won’t get there.”
The five party presidents are currently meeting in the House offices. The Flemish socialists want to ensure that the other parties involved in the negotiations have the same reading of the proposal. “If these openings are real, we can achieve something. If these openings turn out to be false, we will not succeed,” warned Mr. Rousseau.
The outcome of this meeting could be decisive for the fate of Arizona. If all five parties agree to work on the new basis, negotiations could resume. A new method is being considered. This would involve working thematic by theme, instead of presenting an overall score to be negotiated (a “super score”, as up until now).
As a reminder, it has been almost two weeks since Vooruit took a step aside. Its replacement by the Open Vld was even explored by the trainer. At the end of the extension of his mission by the Palace on Tuesday, Bart De Wever, however, reaffirmed his predilection for a “stable majority”, therefore with Vooruit. This could count on 81 seats out of 150 and reflect the regional majorities. The one with Open Vld would only have 76 seats.
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What are the key proposals being discussed in the “Arizona” government negotiations involving Vooruit and the other parties?
**Interview with Conner Rousseau, President of Vooruit**
**Editor**: Joining us today is Conner Rousseau, the president of Vooruit, to discuss the crucial ongoing negotiations regarding the formation of the new government in Belgium. Welcome, Conner.
**Conner Rousseau**: Thank you for having me.
**Editor**: There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the so-called “Arizona” government negotiations involving your party and four others—N-VA, MR, CD&V, and Engagés. What’s the current status?
**Conner Rousseau**: We recently received a new proposal that has shown significant openings. Our discussions are focused on how we can come together to form a government that addresses the needs of all Belgians.
**Editor**: You mentioned “important openings” in the proposal. Can you elaborate on what these entail?
**Conner Rousseau**: Yes, the proposal includes more equitable contributions from the wealthiest individuals, maintaining the indexation system, and distributing expenses more fairly across the population. This is crucial to ensuring that the most vulnerable are supported.
**Editor**: It sounds like there’s a push for a more equitable approach in the negotiations. How do you see your party’s role in these discussions?
**Conner Rousseau**: Vooruit aims to advocate for social justice and ensure that any agreement positively impacts the working and middle classes. We believe our input is essential to achieve a fair balance in the proposed policies.
**Editor**: Given that these negotiations have been ongoing since July, what are the critical challenges you face in reaching an agreement?
**Conner Rousseau**: One of the main challenges is aligning the different priorities of each party. Each has its own vision for government, and finding common ground can be difficult. However, our willingness to negotiate and compromise is driving progress.
**Editor**: What do you see as the make-or-break factor for these negotiations?
**Conner Rousseau**: The willingness to accept fair contributions from those who can afford it is pivotal. If we can agree on financial responsibility that fosters social equity, I believe we have a strong chance of forming a government that truly represents the people.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Conner. We wish you the best in the ongoing negotiations.
**Conner Rousseau**: Thank you. I’m hopeful we can move forward for the benefit of all.
