Royal “Informateurs” to cease their mission from Monday
The two men appointed by King Filip to try and smooth the way for the opening of talks that would lead to the formation of a new Federal Government are end their mission when they meet with the King again next Monday. The Flemish socialist Johan Vande Lanotte and the Francophone liberal Didier Reynders were appointed by King Filip as so-called “informateurs” the week after the elections at the end of May. Since then they have seen their mission extended twice and have held several rounds of talks with party leader.
Thus far no progress has been made. The news that they are to throw in the towel comes from a reliable source. However, another source claims that the two politicians are simply continuing their work. Thus far no progress has been made. The news that they are to throw in the towel comes from a reliable source. However, another source claims that the two politicians are simply continuing their work.
The King appointed Mr Reynders and Mr Vande Lanotte to the post of “Informateur” on 30 May. They were tasked with trying to find out what the possibilities are with regard to the formation of a new Federal Government. This is not an easy task given that the two biggest parties in Flanders and Francophone Belgium (the Flemish nationalists and the Francophone socialists) have little if any desire to get around the table and negotiate.
In the meantime, their mission has been extended twice. However, now a well-placed source has told journalists that they will called it a day next Monday. However, other sources appear less certain. It case of wait and see what the Palace says on Monday. Could the end of their mission simply be the start of something new?