OMM Newsroom
Belgian King Philippe has rejected Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s resignation and instructed him to resume budget negotiations immediately, the Royal Palace said Friday, according to Anadolu Agency.
The king made the decision after receiving De Wever at the Royal Palace and consulting the leaders of the five parties that make up the governing majority.
De Wever offered his resignation on Monday after coalition partners failed to reach agreement on budget measures.
All five party leaders reaffirmed their determination to agree on a sound budgetary trajectory for the next three years and said they were willing to conclude negotiations “as soon as possible,” the palace statement said.
The party presidents also formally committed to making concessions to secure an agreement within the government.
Philippe said a fair balance was needed between preserving social cohesion and stimulating economic growth, and urged the party leaders to prioritise compromise and responsibility.
De Wever is scheduled to report back to the king on Nov. 16, the statement added.
