Belgian Prime Minister resigns over budget impasse

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his resignation to King Philippe on Monday after coalition negotiations over the federal budget broke down. The king deferred a decision on the resignation and announced plans to consult leaders of the governing parties before meeting De Wever again on Friday, November 6.

De Wever’s five-party coalition has been struggling to agree on next year’s budget as it seeks €10 billion, approximately $11.6 billion, in savings by 2029 to reduce Belgium’s deficit. The latest negotiations collapsed hours before the prime minister submitted his resignation.

“The king is withholding his decision and will launch discussions tomorrow with the different party leaders of the governing coalition,” the royal palace said in a statement. It warned that Belgium “cannot afford a prolonged political crisis” and expressed concern about the failure to reach a budget agreement.

“The king regrets the lack of agreement to give the country a credible budget that meets the current challenges,” the statement said. “The king therefore calls on everyone to show a sense of responsibility and urges all parties involved to put the general interest and the spirit of compromise first.”

De Wever, a Flemish conservative, has headed the centre-right coalition since February 2025. He faced a similar budget dispute a year ago, when disagreements brought him close to submitting his resignation. The government is pursuing spending reductions and additional revenue to bring down a deficit exceeding five per cent of gross domestic product.

Its proposals rely mainly on cuts to public expenditure, including healthcare spending, alongside an increase in value-added tax. However, the French-speaking liberal MR party, a coalition partner, has opposed further tax increases, arguing that they would drive up inflation.

The negotiations are also taking place amid sustained opposition from trade unions, which have organised months of protests against austerity measures. The demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands of people onto the streets, adding pressure on the coalition as it attempts to reach a compromise.