Belgium’s King appointed Alexander De Croo as prime minister Wednesday following a coalition agreement among seven parties that ends 16 months without a fully-functioning government, several Belgium media reported.
The 44-year-old Alexander De Croo, leader of the Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats will head the so-called Vivaldi coalition government until 2024, succeeding incumbent interim Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès. It is made up of seven parties including French- and Dutch-speaking liberals, socialists and greens as well as Dutch-speaking Christian democrats. De Croo was competing with Francophone socialist Paul Magnette, known internationally for leading Wallonia’s opposition to the EU’s trade deal with Canada, four years ago.
The coalition agreement was reached early on Wednesday morning after last minute negotiations over the most contentious issue: the budget. The new federal government will mobilize €3.3 billion for new policies during the next legislature. This amount includes €2.3 billion for social measures and €1 billion for security, justice and defense.
The agreement also earmarks €1 billion for new investments in the digitization of public authorities, especially in justice and security, and for the railways.
On Wednesday evening, party members will still have to give their final approval through party congresses. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place Thursday morning before the government statement in parliament on Thursday afternoon.