Belgians near to forming coalition, 15 months on

FLEMISH and French speaking parties yesterday announced a major breakthrough to end the longest ever negotiations to form a new Belgian coalition government. The eight parties announced a deal on carving up the district around Brussels, promising an end to a 15-month stalemate.

The parties said in a statement that negotiations on other issues, such as economic and social policy, would continue.

“It is a historic breakthrough. It is extremely important and positive,” said caretaker prime minister Yves Leterme.

“We have crossed a difficult bridge,” said Joelle Milquet, the head of the Francophone CdH party.