Belgian formation talks: King consults incumbent PM
{{date|December 3, 2007}}
[[Image:Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt.jpg|right|thumb|Incumbent PM Guy Verhofstadt now heading the caretaker government.]]
The caretaker prime minister of [[Belgium]], [[w:Guy Verhofstadt|Guy Verhofstadt]], reappeared on the political stage today as he accepted the royal request to suggest solutions to the [[w:2007 Belgian government formation|ongoing federal government formation talks]].

Recollecting his statement to the press on June 10, 2007, when he recognised his electoral loss and the victory of his opponent [[w:Yves Leterme|Yves Leterme]], he told reporters today that he "hadn't thought nor hoped to face you once more, but the King has asked me to inform him on a short term about possible strategies to deal with the political stalemate in which we have ended up over the last few months."

{{QuoteLeft|Our country is experiencing one of its most severe political crises of the last decades. The elections are six months behind us you see, and the country still doesn't have a worthy government. Meanwhile, our country's image is being damaged en socio-economic and daily problems of the people remain unsolved.|quotewidth=200px|4=Incumbent PM Guy Verhofstadt's analysis of the current situation in Belgium.}}
Indeed, after 177 days, the country's political parties have still found no compromise on the roles of the French- and Dutch-language community. Two days ago, Leterme returned to [[w:Albert II of Belgium|King Albert II]] to tender his resignation as leader of the formation talks.

The incumbent PM said he would discretely contact the leaders of all democratic parties during the next few days. He said his starting point would be dual: the country needs a considerable  reform of its federal status, and there are certain urgent problems that outrange the capacities of the caretaker government dealing with the ongoing affairs.

Verhofstadt called for all involved to take responsibility, in the interest of the country and its citizens.

==Related news==
*{{wikinews|title=Belgium still without government, new record set|date=November 5, 2007}}
*{{wikinews|title=Belgian voters decide fate of socialist-liberal coalition tomorrow|date=June 9, 2007}}

==Sources==
*{{source|url=http://www2.vrtnieuws.net/cm/flandersnews.be/News/071203_Emergency
|title=Mr Verhofstadt asked to take soundings
|author=VRT Nieuws
|pub=Flanders News
|date=December 3, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7123263
|title=Belgian king asks caretaker PM to tackle crisis
|author=Julien Ponthus, Paul Taylor (Reuters)
|pub=The Guardian
|date=December 3, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelId=DMF03122007_090
|title=LETTERLIJK. De verklaring van premier Verhofstadt
|author=
|pub=De Standaard
|date=December 3, 2007
|lang=Dutch}}
*{{source|url=http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelid=DMF02122007_050
|title=Verhofstadt aanvaardt opdracht koning
|author=
|pub=De Standaard
|date=December 3, 2007
|lang=Dutch}}

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{{Archived}}

[[Category:Politics and conflicts]]
[[Category:Belgium]]
[[Category:Europe]]
[[Category:Elections]]
Incumbent PM Guy Verhofstadt now heading the caretaker government.
The caretaker prime minister of Belgium, Guy Verhofstadt, reappeared on the political stage today as he accepted the royal request to suggest solutions to the ongoing federal government formation talks.

Recollecting his statement to the press on June 10, 2007, when he recognised his electoral loss and the victory of his opponent Yves Leterme, he told reporters today that he "hadn't thought nor hoped to face you once more, but the King has asked me to inform him on a short term about possible strategies to deal with the political stalemate in which we have ended up over the last few months."


Indeed, after 177 days, the country's political parties have still found no compromise on the roles of the French- and Dutch-language community. Two days ago, Leterme returned to King Albert II to tender his resignation as leader of the formation talks.

The incumbent PM said he would discretely contact the leaders of all democratic parties during the next few days. He said his starting point would be dual: the country needs a considerable  reform of its federal status, and there are certain urgent problems that outrange the capacities of the caretaker government dealing with the ongoing affairs.

Verhofstadt called for all involved to take responsibility, in the interest of the country and its citizens.
Politics and conflicts Belgium Europe Elections