Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is due to meet King Philippe on Friday as the country faces uncertainty over the future of its government. The meeting follows the collapse of budget negotiations between coalition partners and De Wever’s offer to resign earlier in the week.
The prime minister first presented his resignation during a meeting with the king on Monday. The palace then began consulting leaders from the parties that form the governing coalition. These discussions were intended to help the monarch assess the political situation before making a decision.
However, De Wever’s latest comments suggest that he may still be willing to remain in office. During a parliamentary session on Thursday, he said he wanted a government focused on financial responsibility and long-term stability. He also left open the possibility of further talks with the current coalition partners.
The main disagreement concerns how Belgium should manage its public finances. The country needs to find around €10 billion to stabilise its budget. Some political parties support spending cuts, while others believe that tax increases should play a larger role.
The dispute has also attracted attention from financial markets. Investors are watching Belgium’s debt position closely as borrowing costs rise. The European Commission has forecast that the country’s public debt could reach 110.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2026, while its budget deficit is expected to stand at 5.2 percent.
The king’s meeting with De Wever could help clarify the next steps. If the prime minister remains in office, the coalition will still need to find a compromise on the budget. If he leaves, Belgium may face another period of political uncertainty. The coming discussions will be important for the country’s financial plans and the stability of its governing coalition.
