Belgian king does not accept prime minister's resignation, budget negotiations continue

Belgian King Philippe has not accepted Prime Minister Bart De Wever's resignation, urging the government to resume budget negotiations. After talks stalled, all coalition parties expressed their willingness to continue discussions to reach an agreement. The government has been negotiating for two months to cut €10 billion to reduce national debt. De Wever will report back to the King on November 16. If his resignation had been accepted, it would have triggered early elections, similar to last year's intervention by the King to facilitate negotiations.