Belgian king concludes talks with governing party leaders amid resignation crisis

Belgian King Philippe on Thursday received New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) Chairwoman Valerie Van Peel at the Royal Palace as part of consultations following Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s offer to resign earlier this week.

Van Peel, the last leader of the governing parties to meet the monarch, made no comments upon her arrival or departure from the palace, according to public broadcaster VRT.

De Wever, also an N-VA member, offered his government’s resignation to the king on Monday after coalition partners failed to reach an agreement on budgetary measures.

King Philippe has since held bilateral consultations with leaders of the governing parties before deciding whether to accept or reject the resignation.

The monarch is expected to receive De Wever again on Friday.