Belgium's king considering PM Bart De Wever's resignation after budget talks fail, palace says

Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever was at the royal palace on Monday morning to offer his government's resignation to King Philippe following failed overnight budget talks.

It comes after overnight negotiations with his core cabinet on the budget failed to reach an agreement.

De Wever left the palace after meeting with King Philippe for around 1.5 hours without addressing the press.

Following the meeting, the king announced he "is taking his decision under consideration and will consult the chairs of the various coalition parties from tomorrow.”

He added that he regrets that no agreement has been reached and that the country cannot afford a prolonged political crisis.

He calls on all parties involved “to put the general interest and a willingness to compromise first”. De Wever is set to meet with the king again on Friday.

If the King accepts De Wever's resignation, new elections will be called.