Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever resigns after budget talks collapse
De Wever handed in his resignation on 2 November 2026 after coalition talks collapsed over a €10 billion package for 2027.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever submitted his resignation to King Philippe on 2 November 2026 after the five parties in the governing coalition failed to reach an agreement on the 2027 state budget.
The standoff concerns a proposed package worth €10 billion intended to stabilise public finances through a mix of spending cuts and tax changes. The plan has been under negotiation for months and was central to preparations for next year’s budget.
The main dispute pits the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) and the Reformist Movement (MR), which favour cuts in public spending including in healthcare, against socialist and centrist partners who insist on raising taxes on wealthier citizens to secure the funds.
Belgium faces serious fiscal challenges: public debt exceeds €735 billion, more than 110 percent of gross domestic product, while the budget deficit stands at over 5 percent of GDP.
The political deadlock has heightened concern among financial markets, with yields on Belgian sovereign bonds already showing significant increases.
Next steps and constitutional role of the king
King Philippe is expected to consider the resignation and may grant De Wever additional time to try to broker a deal. If the resignation is accepted, Belgium could face either the formation of a new coalition or early elections.
Photo: press material from the event
