POLITICO: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever's statements about negotiations with Russia for cheap energy are causing tensions in the governing coalition.

Bart De Wever, the Belgian Prime Minister, has sparked controversy with his suggestion that the European Union should negotiate with Russia to normalize relations and regain access to cheap energy, in the context of rising energy costs.

This proposal has provoked furious reactions from the opposition and distanced the parties in the governing coalition, which has already had difficulties uniting on various issues. De Wever stated that European leaders privately support his idea but do not dare to express it publicly.

Politicians in his coalition emphasized that dialogue with Russia should not be confused with normalizing relations, given Moscow's aggressive stance.

Although De Wever enjoys popularity, he warned that he will not remain in office if divisions within the government continue to paralyze decisions.