King Philippe sends De Wever back to the negotiating table and expects an update on 16 November

King Philippe on Friday refused the resignation of the De Wever government. The Palace announced the decision at around 11.50 am, after a second audience with the prime minister, VRT NWS reports. De Wever had offered his resignation on Monday when the budget talks broke down. The king kept the decision under advisement and has since met the presidents of the five majority parties. According to Bruzz, they formally committed to making concessions within their parties, and the king stressed the importance of balancing social cohesion and economic growth. The prime minister must report back on 16 November. According to VRT NWS, it is not yet clear whether that is a firm deadline.

Talks resume on Monday 9 November, and each deputy prime minister may then bring one extra person, VRT NWS says. The sticking points are unchanged: further savings in healthcare, a higher securities tax and a possible skipped wage indexation. Vooruit, CD&V and Les Engagés want a bigger contribution from the broadest shoulders, while MR and N-VA oppose this, The Brussels Times writes. Because there is no longer time to pass a budget law, 2027 will start with provisional monthly budgets. De Wever called that a complete failure in the Chamber on Thursday.

Within the majority, Friday's mood was mainly one of readiness to resume quickly. MR president Georges-Louis Bouchez called elections irresponsible, according to RTBF, and read support for his focus on growth in the Palace statement. Deputy prime minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) called for a fair and credible budget. PS president Paul Magnette wants a change of course with taxes on large fortunes and energy companies, and PVDA group leader Sofie Merckx said the crisis will go on as long as the prime minister does not change who is taxed. Vlaams Belang says voters should have the final word, NOS reports.