Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever has led a five-party centre-right coalition since February 2025. (EPA Images pic)BRUSSELS: Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever tendered his resignation to King Philippe on Monday over deadlocked budget talks, but the monarch deferred his decision until after a new meeting Friday.
The Flemish conservative has been locked in protracted coalition talks to agree a federal budget for next year, with the government seeking €10 billion (US$11.6 billion) in savings by 2029 to reduce the country's high deficit.
The latest talks broke down hours before De Wever put forward his resignation.
"The king is withholding his decision and will launch discussions tomorrow with the different party leaders of the governing coalition," said a royal statement, adding that De Wever would be received again on Friday.
