Government ball in Flemish court

The Walloon socialist Elio Di Rupo, who has been tasked with forming a governing coalition in Belgium, has presented his long-awaited draft paper which will form the basis of talks on a new government. This is a major step forward for the Walloons, the left-liberal daily De Morgen acknowledges: "The paper doesn't go as far as some on the Flemish side would wish, and the question is whether the Flemish will remain inflexible or will also be willing to make a step towards a compromise. ... The proposals are not the target but they are biggest opening move Di Rupe could have made. ... No one is full of enthusiasm about negotiating with nine parties, but they are even less willing to pull out the plug on the whole thing and take responsibility for the failure of the whole enterprise. In view of the present social and economic situation, that would also be totally irresponsible."

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