Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his government’s resignation to King Philippe on Monday, Nov. 2, after his five-party coalition failed to agree on the 2027 budget, and the king postponed his decision and said he would consult coalition leaders.
De Wever met the king for more than an hour after weekend and overnight negotiations ended without a deal. The coalition has been trying to find about €10 billion in spending cuts or new revenue by 2029 to help control Belgium’s public finances. The main disagreement is over how to close the gap.
De Wever’s Flemish nationalist N-VA and the Francophone liberal MR favor spending cuts and oppose tax increases. Vooruit, CD&V and Les Engagés have called for higher contributions from those with the most money. The deadlock follows months of talks and leaves the government facing a political crisis.
Philippe said he would put off his decision for now. He said he would consult coalition party leaders starting Tuesday and meet De Wever again on Friday. The resignation has not yet been accepted.
The coalition’s next steps remain uncertain. The dispute also puts pressure on the government’s effort to agree on a credible budget and reduce a deficit that exceeds 5% of GDP.