Jan Jambon, the federal negotiator for the N-VA, called on Sunday the five parties of the Arizona coalition (MR, Les Engagés, N-VA, CD&V and Vooruit) to “take their responsibilities”.
“These five parties must do it,” he declared on the set of Seventh Day (VRT). “Any other scenario would be worse,” he added, calling on the leaders of other parties to “moderate a little” their sensational declarations in the media.
If the Arizona train seems to be back on track with the return of Vooruit to the negotiating table, the interview with Georges-Louis Bouchez in Het Laatste Nieuws, in which the president of the MR clearly leaves open the option of exchanging Vooruit for the Open VLD, immediately dampened the enthusiasm. However, the Arizona parties will indeed resume their discussions starting Monday afternoon, the objective being to negotiate six days a week.
Taxation, one of the stumbling blocks, may not be addressed immediately. Other subjects will be prioritized initially in order to restore confidence. “We will have to negotiate: there are parties who want the efforts of big money to increase, others say that we must also be careful that this does not worsen the economic situation,” pointed out Jan Jambon.
Also read Vooruit is back, Arizona launches negotiations in “sprint” mode
“The fact that the broadest shoulders also have to bear part of the burden is justified. But we are already the country with the highest tax burden in Europe. As far as we are concerned, taxes certainly cannot increase and people who work, especially those on the lowest salaries, must receive more. These principles were accepted. Their implementation must be settled at the negotiating table,” insisted the N-VA negotiator.
As for loud statements, they would be better off put in the fridge. “Every ukaze in the media makes things more difficult,” he said.
For Jan Jambon, “everyone must now take responsibility”. The other paths, including a government with the Open VLD or new elections, are in fact “less stable” and constitute a “worse scenario”.
In any case, it will be extremely difficult to have a new government by December 1 that can then pass a budget through Parliament again this year, Jan Jambon admitted. “This schedule is very tight. In case this does not succeed, we will have to work with provisional twelfths for a short period,” he concluded.
Also read A government, and quickly!
What strategies does Jan Jambon propose to ensure effective communication among coalition partners during the Arizona coalition talks?
Guest: Jan Jambon, Federal Negotiator for the N-VA Party
Question: As the federal negotiator for the N-VA, how do you assess the current state of the Arizona coalition talks, and what are your expectations for the upcoming negotiations following the return of Vooruit to the table?
Guest: The Arizona coalition talks are in a critical phase. We have faced some challenges, mainly due to the divergent opinions on taxation issues. However, I believe that with the return of Vooruit to the negotiating table, we have a better chance of reaching an agreement. Our expectation is to have productive discussions and find common ground on the key issues that matter to the people of Belgium. We want to restore confidence in the political system and work towards forming a stable government that can deliver on its promises.
Question: You have mentioned that “loud statements” in the media hinder the negotiation process. How can politicians and parties refrain from making sensational declarations that might compromise the negotiations?
Guest: It is essential for all parties to maintain a certain level of professionalism and restraint during negotiations. Sensational statements create unnecessary tension and make it harder for negotiators to find common ground. We should focus on discussing matters constructively and seeking solutions that benefit all Belgians. The media also has a responsibility to report on these talks objectively and not amplify individual voices that might derail the process.
Question: What role does taxation play in the current negotiations? How can the parties strike a balance between ensuring the wealthy contribute more while not burdening low-income earners further?
Guest: Taxation is a sensitive issue, and we acknowledge that the broadest shoulders should bear part of the burden. However, we also need to ensure that any increase in taxes does not worsen the economic situation for individuals, especially those on the lowest salaries. Our aim is to find a fair and equitable solution that ensures everyone contributes their fair share. We must prioritize discussions on this issue while maintaining the overall stability of the government.
Question: The deadline for forming a new government is quickly approaching. Do you foresee any challenges in meeting this deadline, and what contingency plans are in place if a new government is not formed by
