Belgium’s PM De Wever offers government’s resignation after budget talks fail

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his government’s resignation to King Philippe on 2 November 2026 after overnight coalition negotiations on the 2027 budget failed. The palace said the king was considering the offer, leaving the resignation pending rather than accepted.

De Wever took office on 3 February 2025. His coalition brings together his New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), the liberal MR, centrist Les Engagés, socialist Vooruit and Christian Democratic CD&V.

Spending cuts or higher wealth taxes

Reuters said the government had argued for months over €10 billion (about $11.2 billion) in spending cuts and tax increases that De Wever says are needed to keep state finances in check. N-VA and MR sought spending cuts, including in healthcare, while their coalition partners sought higher wealth taxes.

De Wever has warned that without budget cuts, Belgium risks needing new loans to pay interest on existing debt.

The coalition’s deadline for a budget agreement is 3 November 2026, coinciding with the start of the royal consultations. Without an agreement, Belgium could operate in 2027 with limited monthly spending equal to one-twelfth of the 2026 budget.

The king’s next steps

The palace said Philippe would begin consulting coalition party chairs on 3 November 2026. It urged compromise, saying the country could not afford a prolonged political crisis.

If Philippe ultimately accepts the resignation, he could ask other parties to form a coalition or pursue fresh elections; acceptance would not automatically trigger an election. De Wever is scheduled to meet the king again on 6 November 2026.