Select a language
"Today it begins (again)" announces Le Soir, which reports on the relaunch of talks about forming a new Belgian government after the so-called "21 July agreement". The negotiations, which will involve socialists, liberals and French and Flemish Christian democrats, will take place under the supervision of an officially appointed "formateur", the French socialist Elio Di Rupo.
Commenting on the high stakes for the country -- Belgium has spent 428 days without a government -- Le Soir remarks that the country's political leaders, with the exception of Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever who is refusing to participate, "are entering the final phase in a process that will prove crucial for Belgium: either it will succeed or it will break down definitively."
The talks are being held at "at a moment of serious crisis which is not confined to our small country." Citing the prospect of a US downgrade, the riots in London, and demonstrations by the indignados movement, the daily points out that “the leaders of the eight parties at the negotiating table will not only have to save the Belgian state: they will also have to play an active role in developing a global solution to reinvent a societal and development model that is visibly waning." In short, the talks amount to a "Churchillian rendezvous" for the country. The newspaper concludes: "It is our sincere hope that our leaders will be imbued with the seriousness of this call of history."
Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!
It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.
Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!
