Belgium's King Philippe rejected the resignation of Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Friday, urging him to continue negotiating the federal budget, the Royal Palace announced on Nov. 6, Xinhua reported.
The Royal Palace released a statement that day summarizing the king's decision and emphasizing the need for uninterrupted fiscal deliberations in Brussels, where delegations had convened to secure the national budget.
King Philippe's intervention follows a series of setbacks, with coalition partners unable to reconcile divergent budget priorities, placing the nation's economic agenda in jeopardy.
Xinhua's coverage noted that De Wever had signaled his resignation earlier, citing frustration over intractable budget negotiations, but the monarch's refusal aims to prevent a governmental collapse.
The Royal Palace's statement made clear that the king would not intervene in parliamentary decision‑making but would exercise his prerogative to uphold stability during a fiscal crisis.
The meeting of federal budget negotiators in Brussels continued unchanged after the royal statement, as parties attempted to narrow the fiscal gap presented by a complex economic landscape.
President Charles Michel, who remained in the background, was not quoted in the report; the focus remained on the king and the prime minister.
With the resignation rejected, De Wever faces increased pressure to finalize the budget annex, a process expected to conclude by the end of the month, according to reports.
The monarchy’s stance underscores the delicate balance between ceremonial duty and national stewardship, as Belgium continues to navigate complex political and economic challenges.
Analysts say that the king’s decision could set a precedent, but until a formal government is confirmed, Belgium’s prime minister must execute a policy agenda that satisfies both industrial and rural constituencies.
