De Wever opens a round of party-by-party talks, with Clarinval first in line and Bouchez likely at his side

Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) begins separate meetings with his deputy prime ministers today, a week after King Philippe refused his resignation. According to RTBF and La Libre, MR deputy prime minister David Clarinval is expected first on the Rue de la Loi, with further talks planned for Tuesday. No full schedule has been published. RTBF writes that De Wever wants to check whether party leaders actually deliver the concessions they committed to at the palace on Friday.

Each deputy prime minister may bring one additional person. MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez wants to take that seat himself to make sure the budget stays within the coalition agreement, RTBF reports. Government sources say the other party leaders are more likely to send a chief of staff or an aide. In an analysis for VRT NWS, political journalist Ivan De Vadder calls it unprecedented for a prime minister and the leader of a coalition party to discuss policy together in this way. Bouchez opposes the VAT increase De Wever proposed, while Vooruit and Les Engagés want the broadest shoulders to contribute more.

Within the MR, La Libre reports, a change to the party statutes is ready that would allow a party leader to serve temporarily as a minister. The party's expanded executive could discuss it today, although the paper notes the item was not on the official invitation. After the talks, De Wever plans to take stock. A full core cabinet meeting is unlikely before the weekend, as he is due at European summits on Thursday and Friday. On 16 November he reports back to the king.