Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever submitted his resignation on Monday, as a protracted budget crisis intensified within his five-party government. King Philippe has yet to decide whether to accept the resignation.
De Wever, a Flemish nationalist, took office in February 2025 with the aim of addressing Belgium's significant debt. However, his budget proposals did not gain the necessary support from his coalition partners. The Royal Palace confirmed the resignation followed the failure of budget negotiations, stating that the King regrets the lack of an agreement that would provide the country with a credible budget.
The King is scheduled to consult with party group leaders before meeting with De Wever again on Friday. De Wever is currently working to finalize the 2027 budget before the December 31 deadline.
Belgium is one of the most indebted nations within the 27-member European Union, with its debt load exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis. The European Commission projects Belgium's debt to rise to 110% of its gross domestic product this year. The accumulating interest on this debt presents a significant challenge, particularly as the government seeks to increase defense spending.
This governmental crisis unfolds against a backdrop of increasing student protests and frequent strikes across the country, including several nationally organized labor actions.