Flemish government concludes third nitrogen agreement, Prime Minister Jambon: “We have untangled the knot”

Analysis political journalist Johny Vansevenant

According to Vansevenant, the agreement is important for the Flemish government. “It must boost the image of an ailing government. Especially for N-VA, it is very important that the Flemish government does a good job compared to the federal one. The party wants to show that Flanders functions better.”

An agreement simply had to be reached. “The industry was angry because an agreement was not reached. In addition, there was a marching order from N-VA chairman and Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever not to let Ineos’ ethane cracker fall into the water. CD&V and Vlaams Belang could also win votes if a agreement was not forthcoming. N-VA now wanted to get rid of it quickly and was therefore more lenient.”

“The agreement also reflects on the Prime Minister,” Vansevenant concludes. “Tomorrow evening, the N-VA will decide who will be party leader in Antwerp. Will it be Jan Jambon for the Flemish list, or will it be coming lady Els Van Doesburg? Tonight’s agreement could add extra weight to Jambon. If not, succeeds, the European list beckons and perhaps the end of his prime minister.”