After more than six months of political deadlock, Belgium’s caretaker prime minister has succeeded in forming an interim government. The country had been without an executive since a June election – rival political parties have failed to agree on a coalition since. Yves Leterme, whose Christian Democrats repeatedly failed to form a government despite winning the election, welcomed the news: “Things are complicated in our country at the moment. Now we must put an end to the in-fighting and start working for the people. That’s my goal.”

Outgoing finance minister and head of the French-speaking Liberals, Didier Reynders, whose party blocked previous coalition talks, said: “This government won’t be easy to run, neither was the previous one. When I go into a council of ministers, I am no Socialist, nor am I when I leave. So there’s bound to be some tough discussions.”

The interim government is expected to pass a parliamentary vote of confidence on Sunday, after which it will remain in office until March 23 at the latest.

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