On 'all or nothing': nothing goes anymore

Last week, Prime Minister Bart De Wever faced resistance from the socialist party Vooruit regarding a budget agreement. Vooruit's leader, Conner Rousseau, criticized the unfair distribution of financial burdens, particularly affecting pensioners and workers. CD&V's Sammy Mahdi expressed disappointment in Vooruit's stance and emphasized the need for labor cost reductions. The government's attempts to reach a consensus have stalled, with tensions rising among coalition partners. De Wever's decision to abandon a proposed VAT increase has shifted the burden of savings onto healthcare and pensions, further complicating negotiations. The parliamentary recess delays the government's budget declaration, risking financial instability.