Since the national and regional elections in June, only Wallonia has succeeded in cementing a governing coalition as right-wing liberals MR and centrists Les Engagés hoovered up enough votes to muster a majority without interference from other groups.
Alas, for the other regions, as for the Federal Government, negotiations have ground to a halt or broken down as partners became rivals on key issues. Now one month from municipal elections, there's a sense that these formation discussions will be put on hold as parties focus on winning mayoral seats.
In Brussels, the battlelines are being drawn again in the most complicated arena, contested by Dutch and French -speaking candidates appealing to a diverse demographic. Few topics arouse as much emotion as mobility – how the city moves affects us all and our transport of choice impacts those around us.
To highlight the dominant challenges in this area, Mobility Week (16-22 September) raises the question of cars in the city, though this is hardly an issue that needs singling out. Driving has long been falling from vogue in the capital, with a low emission zone (LEZ) already in place to ensure that motorised vehicles in Brussels adhere to pollution standards.
Until a few weeks ago, the LEZ was due to become more stringent in January to sift out dirtier vehicles (specifically Euro 5 standard diesel engines and Euro 2 petrol engines). But plans were thrown into disarray when the Francophone parties trying to form a new majority decided to delay implementation – a welcome reprieve for owners of such vehicles.
For the left-leaning Flemish parties who had been negotiating with French partners, it was a kick in the teeth. But without the numerical strength of elected MPs to uphold the initial LEZ plan, compromise was the only option. To which end the socialist party Vooruit has suggested allowing those without the means for a newer car to continue using their more polluting vehicle.
But what on paper appears to be a reasonable concession has only added to the feeling that cars in Brussels is now a class war which makes drivers the target of an agenda orchestrated by two-wheeling bureaucrats. It's a narrative that more opportunist politicians are happy to indulge, whilst overlooking the benefits that tighter regulations have had for the city.
Will this be the issue that swings voters in October? How do you feel about your commune? What would you like to improve? Take our quick survey and share your feedback here.
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