Belgian Deputy PM Prévot rejects forced merger of state-owned insurers Belfius and Ethias

Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot has formally opposed the proposed merger between state-owned financial groups Belfius and Ethias, citing the ongoing divestment process for Belfius. The statement highlights a persistent policy disagreement within the Belgian coalition government, as the Mouvement Réformateur (MR) party has not officially abandoned the merger plan.