The prevailing budget stalemate in Belgium is drawing sharp criticism, with claims that the country has entered a provisional phase and an unprecedented immobilisme under a fully functional government.

The discussion highlights Belgium’s heavy tax regime, noting Belgium taxes work and capital highly, while Arizona has raised taxes in several areas as a comparison point from the reform debate.

In an interview conducted on November 7, 2025, Open VLD chief of the group, Alexia Bertrand, sits down with Maxime Binet to tackle hot Belgian political topics.

Open VLD positions itself as a constructive opposition willing to assist with reform efforts, backing measures like limiting unemployment benefits and pension reform, while warning that a government collapse would be a catastrophe.

The interview also touches on broader tensions in Belgian politics, including criticism of pressuring and manipulating the Palais, and echoes of the ongoing budget impasse.

Bertrand critiques Bart De Wever’s leadership style and notes Bouchez’s stance on indexation and tax policy, balancing support with concerns about lowering charges.

Bertrand argues the situation demands more substantial preparation and longer, late-night sessions, contrasting with the pace of previous governments.

Bart De Wever was given an extended deadline of fifty days to strike a budget agreement, which Bertrand calls poor preparation and insufficient pre-work, advocating for more meetings and working groups.