De Wever pushes VAT hike while Bouchez blocks it, sparking intra-government clash

Budget talks in the De Wever government have stalled over a proposed increase in the value-added tax. De Wever favors the hike for its immediate fiscal impact, whereas the MR, under Georges-Louis Bouchez, opposes it categorically. Other coalition partners are split: CD&V and Les Engagés back De Wever, while Vooruit remains lukewarm.

The disagreement echoes an earlier budget conflict, with Bouchez now openly positioning himself as the sole blocker. He has framed his stance as a defense against continual tax raises and portrayed himself as a champion of purchasing power. The impasse threatens to narrow any chance of compromise within the coalition.