Belgian coalition tensions: MR and Engagés reject De Wever's budget note

The first draft of Belgium's 2026 budget, presented by Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA), has drawn sharp criticism from coalition partners MR and Les Engagés, who call it 'unbalanced' and 'indigestible' due to heavy reliance on revenue measures like VAT increases. De Wever is now in 'mine-clearing mode' to salvage the coalition agreement. The dispute signals potential instability in the federal government, with fiscal policy direction uncertain.