King Philippe rejected Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s resignation Friday and instructed him to resume budget negotiations after Belgium’s governing coalition failed to agree on a budget.
The Royal Palace said Philippe made the decision after meeting leaders of the five parties in the governing majority. The five party leaders told Philippe their parties were prepared to make concessions and would seek an agreement on a budget plan for the next three years, the palace said. Philippe called for a plan that balances social cohesion with economic growth.
De Wever submitted his resignation Monday after the coalition’s budget talks failed. The Royal Palace said Philippe deferred a decision while consulting party leaders, following De Wever’s resignation offer.
De Wever is scheduled to report back to Philippe on Nov. 16, the Royal Palace said.
