King Philippe Rejects Bart De Wever's Resignation Over Budget

King Philippe of Belgium rejected the resignation of Prime Minister Bart De Wever on November 6, 2026, ordering the five-party governing coalition to immediately resume budget negotiations. De Wever had submitted his resignation on Monday after talks regarding the 2027 budget collapsed.

The King withheld approval of the resignation after consulting with coalition party leaders, who committed to a spirit of compromise and a sound budgetary path for the next three years. The government remains divided over how to implement 10 billion euros in spending cuts and tax increases. While the N-VA and MR parties favor spending restraint, including in healthcare, socialist and centrist partners prefer the implementation of wealth taxes.

Belgium faces severe financial pressure, with national debt forecast to reach 110% of GDP this year, exceeding European Union reference values. De Wever is scheduled to report back to the King on November 16.