Open VLD chairman Egbert Lachaert wants the federal government to make decisions if the regions do not agree. He made this striking statement at the first renewal process of his party in Ghent. In the current state structure, the federal level cannot make decisions about matters that are allocated to states, but Lachaert would like to see that differently.
NDBG
23 Apr. 2022
“We all feel that we are a bit stuck in our country and that making decisions has become very difficult,” says Lachaert. That is why he wants the federal government to have the power to make decisions when things are stuck and the regions are not in agreement. He also referred to dossiers such as energy and climate where the federated entities are not on the same page.
Lachaert also said that there are parties that want to split the country, but that he clearly does not choose to do so. With this sentence Lachaert refers to NV-A. Lachaert does say that the door is open to discuss this with NV-A, “But if NV-A continues to cling steadfastly to an independent Flanders, Open VLD will have to look at other parties”.
Open VLD has had different party lines in the field of federalism and confederalism throughout its history, but with this statement Lachaert seems to be speaking out strongly against an independent Flanders. Although the Open VLD chairman does say that Flanders can still be provided for him as long as the Federal government can make the difficult decisions.
Yesterday a statutory congress took place, where some amendments to the party statutes were approved. For example, at the suggestion of Jong Vld, the family dynasties in the party board will come to an end.
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