Belgium avoids government collapse as king urges coalition to continue budget talks
Belgium avoided a government collapse after King Philippe asked Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s coalition to continue negotiations on a budget to repair strained public finances. Following a meeting in Brussels, the Royal Palace said the king and prime minister would meet again on Nov. 16. De Wever had offered his resignation on Monday, but the king delayed acting on it while holding talks with leaders of the five-party coalition.