Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his government’s resignation to King Philippe on Monday after overnight talks among his five-party coalition failed to agree a budget.
The king has not yet accepted the resignation. He will consult party leaders from Tuesday and meet De Wever again on Friday, the Associated Press reported.
The so-called Arizona coalition of the N-VA, MR, Les Engagés, Vooruit and CD&V had been trying to close a gap of about €10 billion. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said there were “too many sticking points,” while MR’s David Clarinval complained of “far too many taxes on the table.”
Belgium’s deficit reached 5.2% of GDP in 2025, according to Politico Europe, and its public debt tops €735 billion, more than 110% of GDP, according to Euronews, putting it under pressure from EU fiscal rules.
A similar standoff last year ended with the king granting De Wever extra time rather than accepting his resignation.
Sources: Associated Press, Euronews, Politico Europe
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