Belgium Appoints New Mediator to Break Coalition Deadlock

King Philippe of Belgium has appointed Maxime Prevot to mediate coalition talks after Bart De Wever stepped down. The goal is to resolve the deadlock over socio-economic reforms and form a new government, which is urgent due to Belgium's budget deficits. Prevot has 10 days to smooth differences.

Belgium's King Philippe has appointed Wallonian politician Maxime Prevot, leader of Francophone centrist party Les Engages, to mediate coalition talks after they became deadlocked over socio-economic reforms, the palace said on Friday.

Previously, Bart De Wever of the Flemish nationalist N-VA—Belgium's largest party from the June elections—was leading the talks. He resigned on Thursday due to stalled negotiations, primarily caused by the liberal Francophone party MR's opposition to a capital gains tax.

De Wever had attempted to form a government with a coalition including N-VA, Les Engages, MR, Flemish Christian Democrat party CD&V, and Flemish socialist party Vooruit, dubbed the Arizona coalition due to the parties' colors. Despite Les Engages coming in eighth in recent elections, Prevot has the support of all party leaders and is a strong advocate for the coalition.

The palace urged for swift negotiations, giving Prevot 10 days to resolve differences and report back by Monday, Sept. 2. Belgium urgently needs to address its excessive budget deficits, a concern flagged by the European Commission.

While the talks continue, the government of outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo—whose Flemish liberal party suffered in the June polls—will serve in a caretaker capacity. Belgium holds the record for the longest government formation, which previously lasted 541 days from 2010 to 2011.

(With inputs from agencies.)