Belgian budget talks stall as MR vetoes tax hikes, Les Engagés open to compromise

Belgian coalition budget negotiations face friction as MR president Georges-Louis Bouchez firmly rules out VAT increases and any new taxes, while Les Engagés' Verougstraete signals openness to compromise. Prime Minister Bart De Wever seeks a €10 billion budget agreement including fiscal measures, but the MR's hardline stance threatens progress. The outcome is uncertain, with talks set to begin shortly.