Opposition parties critical of accord

The opposition parties SP.A (Flemish socialists) and Groen! (Flemish green party) are not happy with the government accord reached early yesterday morning. According to them it does not include enough social measures.

Chairwoman of SP.A Caroline Gennez calls the government-to-be an ‘asocial government’. Contrary to the Francophone socialists, the Flemish socialists are not in the government coalition. According to Caroline Gennez this is because the accord does not contain enough social measures.

It is not yet certain whether the Flemish socialists will work on the second phase of the state reforms, which is due to be concluded in July. "We will take our responsibility if necessary, but first the government has to come up with a clear agenda."

"A bunch of vague compromises"

 Groen! is very critical of the government accord. Chairwoman Mieke Vogels says, "You cannot call this an accord- at best it’s just a bunch of vague compromises."

Mieke Vogels goes on to say it is especially the social parts of the accord that remain vague.

"Regarding rightwing measures, the accord is frighteningly concrete," according to Mieke Vogels.

The Flemish far right Vlaams Belang party says that the programme is too left-wing.

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