The new government of Belgium was inaugurated on Monday, almost eight months following an election victory by the Flemish nationalist N-VA leader Bart De Wever. This marks the first time a Flemish nationalist will lead the federal Belgian government.
After months of challenging negotiations concerning budget cuts, tax increases, and pension reforms to enhance Belgium's financial situation, a coalition of five parties formed a broad majority on Friday evening.
The government's objectives include limiting unemployment benefits, adjusting pension rates for early retirees, increasing pensions for those working beyond retirement age, implementing a new capital gains tax, and eliminating certain tax exemptions.
The coalition, spearheaded by the N-VA, comprises Christian democrats and socialists from the Dutch-speaking north, alongside liberal and centrist parties from the French-speaking south.
De Wever's inaugural international appearance will take place on Monday, when he meets with leaders from other EU countries in Brussels to discuss European defenses against Russia and strategies regarding U.S. President's recent decision to impose tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.