Brussels: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has issued a stark warning that he will resign if his coalition government becomes incapable of making decisions. This announcement follows increasing strains within the ruling alliance, particularly surrounding debates over energy policy and relations with Russia.
According to Anadolu Agency, De Wever expressed his frustration in interviews with French-language newspapers, stating that he would not remain in office if the government becomes paralyzed. "If this government is no longer capable of making decisions, I will not remain prime minister," he declared, emphasizing his unwillingness to remain inactive until the end of the term.
The prime minister's warning coincides with a new poll conducted by Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN) and VTM, which indicates that De Wever's nationalist New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) continues to be the largest party in both Flanders and Belgium. However, several French-speaking coalition parties have seen a decline in support.
De Wever acknowledged the delicate balance of the coalition, attributing its stability in part to the electoral strength of French-speaking partners. "I am very grateful to the Walloons who voted for MR and Les Engages, because this offers us the opportunity to get to work at the federal level," he remarked.
Nevertheless, he cautioned against political deadlock, referencing Belgium's previous federal government. "I cannot accept the red lines of any party. Otherwise, we will keep treading water, as the Vivaldi coalition did," De Wever warned.
Adding to the controversy, De Wever suggested that the European Union should negotiate with Russia to end the war in Ukraine and ultimately restore access to cheaper energy supplies. "We must negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine and at the same time normalize relations with Russia in order to regain access to cheap energy. That is simply common sense," he stated in an interview with L'Echo.
These remarks have sparked criticism from within his own government. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot cautioned against discussing normalization with Moscow while the conflict continues. "Today, Russia refuses the European presence at the negotiating table and maintains maximalist demands. As long as that is the case, speaking of normalization sends a signal of weakening that undermines European unity," Prevot countered.
Furthermore, De Wever voiced concerns about the French-speaking liberal party MR's attempts, led by Georges-Louis Bouchez, to establish electoral lists in Flanders. "In my opinion, it is not a good idea to divide the right-wing parties," he commented.