The Brussels-Capital Region, one of Belgium's three regions, has not had a functioning government for 600 days, leading to serious political and economic ramifications. Prime Minister Bart De Wever of the Flemish conservative party has openly criticized this situation, stating that it damages the reputation of Belgium internationally and raises concerns among foreign leaders and citizens alike. He highlighted the necessity for institutional reform to address the ongoing governance crisis.

Belgium's political landscape is known for its complexity, and the current state of the Brussels-Capital Region exemplifies this dysfunction. With a population of about 1.2 million, the region has plunged into an unprecedented political and economic crisis marked by inability to form an effective government since the elections of June 2024. This lack of governance is unprecedented in modern Belgian history, as it stretches beyond any previous record for political stalemate.

De Wever's statements underline the urgency of addressing this governance issue, as it not only affects the functioning of local administration but also reflects poorly on Belgium as a whole on the international stage. Calls for reform indicate a growing sentiment that significant changes are necessary in how the government operates, to prevent future crises and to restore confidence among both residents and international observers.