Belgian media: King asks Michel to lead caretaker Cabinet
Posted December 21, 2018 6:00 am
BRUSSELS (AP) - Belgian media says King Philippe has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Charles Michel but wants the premier to stay on at the head of a caretaker government until elections are held in May.
Quoting Royal Palace sources, state broadcaster RTBF said Friday that the king had noted a willingness among political party leaders to guarantee the good functioning of government on day to day business.
On Tuesday, Michel told Belgian lawmakers that he would submit his resignation as pressure built on his government after the biggest party in his coalition party quit over his support for a U.N. migration pact.
Belgium is due to go the polls on May 26.
Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel, left, shakes hands with Belgium's King Philippe after a meeting at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. Prime Minister Charles Michel held talks with Belgium's King Philippe as the monarch weighs whether to accept the premier's resignation and name him at the head of a caretaker government until elections are held in May. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
The Associated Press
Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel, right, walks with Belgium's King Philippe during consultations at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. Prime Minister Charles Michel holds talks with Belgium's King Philippe as the monarch weighs whether to accept the premier's resignation and name him at the head of a caretaker government until elections are held in May. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
The Associated Press
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