Flemish budget deal collapses over minister's math error
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Flanders is facing renewed political turmoil after Vice Minister-President and Flemish Minister for Budget and Finance, Ben Weyts, admitted a calculation error in the proposed budget, leading to the Vooruit party withdrawing its support for the agreement. This development has triggered urgent new negotiations, with VTM Nieuws journalist Karel Lattrez describing the situation as "embarrassing" for Minister-President of Flanders, Matthias Diependaele. The Flemish government is also looking to save €180 million on its own staff as part of its austerity measures.
In other significant domestic news, an explosive device detonated at a house in Antwerp, injuring a toddler and five adults who were hospitalized. Meanwhile, Fouad Belkacem, the former leader of the now-designated terrorist organization Sharia4Belgium, has applied for asylum in Belgium to avoid extradition to Morocco.
The national femicide census is encountering unexpected delays and complexities, while Walloon labor unions are threatening stricter actions against the Walloon government over policies perceived as harmful. Several changes are also set to take effect in Wallonia on October 1st, concerning renovation premiums, energy contracts, and dentists.