François De Smet (DéFI) compared De Wever unfavorably to Yves Leterme, suggesting he has not surpassed him yet.

The opposition in the Belgian Parliament harshly criticized Prime Minister Bart De Wever after his budget speech and the failure to finalize the multiannual budget agreement following a meeting with the King, signaling broad discontent with the government’s direction.

François De Smet rejected any attempt to be seen as a reformer, arguing that De Wever has not demonstrated leadership beyond past figures.

Hedebouw called for a fair tax approach, insisting that not everyone should pay and urging additional revenue from the wealthy to fund public needs.

Stefaan Van Hecke (Groen) and Raoul Hedebouw (PTB) pressed for a policy shift, saying current government measures are harsh and unfair, but offering alternatives that do not burden ordinary people.

De Wever defended his stance by saying a state-of-the-nation speech plus a budget could have been delivered earlier and endorsed by Europe, while stating his government’s choices reflected a focus on addressing issues rather than avoiding them and urging coalition partners to resume work responsibly.

Dermagne drew a provocative comparison between Churchill and Boris Johnson to accuse De Wever of pretenses in front of the King, signaling a critical framing of leadership.

Pierre-Yves Dermagne (PS) mocked De Wever by contrasting Churchill with Boris Johnson, suggesting the nation wakes up to a Johnson-like leadership rather than Churchill.

Alexia Bertrand (Open VLD) accused De Wever of immobilism, questioning priorities and criticizing the use of provisional budget measures as procrastination that risks paralyzing the country.