It was the first government headed by Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt (VLD).

Because it comprised liberals, socialists and greens it was also known as a "purple-green" coalition.

It was the first liberal-led coalition in Belgium since 1938, as well as the first since 1958 that did not include a Christian Democratic party.

It was also the first coalition in Belgian history to have included green parties.

The Secretary of State for Energy and Sustainable Development was attached to the Minister of Mobility and Transport.