Belgium will begin 2027 without an approved budget, forcing the government to operate on provisional spending measures for weeks or possibly the entire first quarter, after Prime Minister Bart De Wever resigned Monday and King Philippe on Friday ordered him to resume negotiations with coalition partners. De Wever submitted his resignation Monday, prompting the King to receive the presidents of all parties in the Arizona coalition throughout the week. On Friday, Philippe formally asked the prime minister to restart discussions aimed at establishing a budget for 2027, calling on each leader to exercise responsibility and make efforts.
Provisional Spending to Cover Early 2027
With no 2027 budget in place, Belgium will rely on provisional twelfths beginning January 1 — monthly allocations equal to one-twelfth of the previous year’s spending — for several weeks or through the first quarter of 2027.
Coalition Talks Resume Under Royal Pressure
Aurore Tourneur, group leader for Les Engagés in the Chamber of Representatives, said the November 16 deadline for De Wever’s next report to the King is probably only an intermediate step unless negotiators reach an agreement. She suggested the coalition could settle the final two billion euros in several days of talks, adding that everyone must make an effort, particularly those with broader shoulders rather than just the healthcare sector.
Rajae Maouane, an Ecolo deputy in the opposition, said she was appalled by the spectacle the majority offers, noting this is the second year the government has failed to agree on a budget on time. She remarked that for a republican like De Wever to call on the King to save him would be laughable if it were not so grave.
November 16 Report to the King
De Wever must return to the royal palace on November 16, to present his report to King Philippe after resuming discussions with all Arizona coalition party presidents.
Questions on the 2027 Budget Deadlock
What happens on November 16? Prime Minister Bart De Wever must report to King Philippe on his progress in negotiating a 2027 budget with coalition partners.
The government will use provisional twelfths — spending one-twelfth of the previous year’s budget each month — starting January 1, 2027, until a new budget is approved.
Coalition partners must still agree on the final two billion euros in the 2027 budget, according to Les Engagés’ Aurore Tourneur.
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