Belgium has launched a new government led by Flemish nationalists from the N-VA party, which won the elections eight months ago. For the first time in the country's history, the post of Prime Minister of the federal government was occupied by N-VA leader Bart De Wever. The formation of the cabinet was completed after an agreement was reached between the five parties. The coalition's program was the result of lengthy negotiations focused on budget cuts, tax policy changes, and pension system reforms to strengthen public finances. Among the priorities of the new government are reducing the period of payment of unemployment benefits and adjusting pensions. Pension payments are planned to be reduced for those who retire early, and increased for those who continue to work after the established age. It is also planned to introduce a capital gains tax and cancel a number of tax benefits. The coalition brought together Christian Democrats and Socialists from the Dutch-speaking north of the country, as well as liberal and centrist parties from the French-speaking south.
