BRUSSELS, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- King Philippe of Belgium has extended the mandate of Bart De Wever, president of the Flemish party N-VA, to form a federal government until Jan. 7.

Belgium has been without a federal government for six months following legislative elections in June.

The Royal Palace announced the decision on Friday, expressing hope for a decisive breakthrough early next year.

Efforts are underway to unite five key parties into an "Arizona" coalition: the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), the Flemish Christian Democrats (CD&V), the socialist Vooruit, the French-speaking Reformist Movement (MR), and the centrist Les Engages.

Negotiations have centered on sensitive topics such as migration and fiscal policy but have yet to produce a definitive agreement.

The urgency is compounded by Belgium's obligation to submit its 2025 budget plan to the European Commission by the end of the year, along with a multi-year fiscal consolidation trajectory for reforms and investments. Enditem

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