Belgium's King Philippe holds Prime Minister Bart De Wever's resignation under consideration after budget talks fail

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his government's resignation to King Philippe on Monday 2 November, after overnight budget talks in his five-party coalition broke up without agreement. This report draws on Euronews, Politico, NOS and VRT NWS. ## The palace statement After a meeting of about an hour and a half, the palace said the king "is taking his decision under consideration and will consult the chairs of the various coalition parties from tomorrow", Euronews reports. The king said he regretted that no agreement had been reached and that Belgium cannot afford a prolonged political crisis, Euronews, NOS and VRT NWS report, and he urged all parties to put the general interest and a willingness to compromise first. He will receive De Wever again on Friday. De Wever left the palace without speaking to the press, Euronews and NOS report. ## The budget dispute De Wever wants to save €10 billion, NOS and Euronews report. His N-VA and the liberal MR want to cut spending, including on health care, while Vooruit, CD&V and Les Engagés want tax rises, NOS reports; the centrist and socialist parties want €1 billion to €1.5 billion to come from taxing higher incomes, according to Euronews. Belgium had a deficit of 5.2% of GDP in 2025, Politico reports. Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval of MR said there were still "far too many taxes on the table", Politico reports. Last November, during a similar impasse, De Wever did not resign but asked the king for more time and was given 50 extra days, Euronews and Politico report. If the king accepts the resignation, new elections will be called, Euronews reports.