Belgium: PM Quits Two Weeks after Coalition Partner Bails

Local Editor

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel announced his resignation Tuesday, less than two weeks after his main coalition partner quit in a row over migration, leaving him leading a minority government.

Michel, who took office in 2014, lost the backing of the New Flemish Alliance [N-VA] over his support for the UN migration pact, a cause célèbre for European anti-immigration parties.

The resignation came two days after demonstrations against the pact in central Brussels descended into scuffles, with police forced to use tear gas and water cannons to restore order.

After a debate in Parliament where opposition parties refused to lend their support to allow his government to keep working until legislative elections in May next year, Michel announced he would quit.

“I have taken the decision to submit my resignation and it is my intention to go to see the king immediately,” Michel said.

Belgium’s royal palace later said that King Philippe has not taken a decision on whether to accept the resignation offered by Premier Charles Michel.

The Flemish nationalist N-VA, led by powerful Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever, had made political demands which Michel judged “unacceptable” - notably on possible constitutional changes.

The liberal steadfastly defended the Marrakesh migration pact, saying it presented an “opportunity for better European and international cooperation.”

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team