By TheDailyNewsHub Reporter
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has tendered his resignation to King Philippe following the collapse of negotiations over the country’s 2027 federal budget.
De Wever submitted his resignation on Monday, November 2, 2026, after his five-party coalition government failed to reach an agreement on proposed spending cuts and tax measures aimed at reducing Belgium’s growing budget deficit.
However, King Philippe has deferred his decision, announcing plans to consult leaders of the governing coalition from Tuesday before meeting the Prime Minister again on Friday.
In a statement, the Royal Palace expressed regret over the failure to reach an agreement, warning that Belgium could not afford a prolonged political crisis.
The government has been struggling to agree on approximately €10 billion in savings and additional revenue by 2029. The disagreement has centred on how to reduce public spending and whether higher taxes should be imposed on wealthier citizens.
De Wever’s Flemish nationalist N-VA party and the liberal MR have favoured spending reductions, including cuts affecting healthcare, while socialist and centrist coalition partners have pushed for greater contributions from wealthier individuals.
The disagreement has also intensified pressure on Belgium’s public finances, with the country’s budget deficit exceeding five per cent of gross domestic product.
The political crisis comes amid growing opposition to the government’s proposed austerity measures, with trade unions organising nationwide protests and strikes over spending cuts and their potential impact on public services.
If King Philippe accepts the resignation, Belgium could face the formation of a new coalition government or fresh elections. However, the monarch could also keep the resignation under consideration to allow further negotiations.
For now, De Wever remains at the centre of efforts to resolve the political impasse, as the King seeks a compromise that would allow the government to agree on a credible budget.