Belgian media name likely new PM

There appears to be progress in the search for a new Prime Minister in Belgium, with local media reporting the name of the likely candidate. Widley tipped for the job is Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the lower house of parliament. The post is vacant after the collapse last week of the previous government amid a political crisis.

The country’s King appointed a former prime minister to mediate talks on the formation of a new government. Wilfried Martens said: “It’s an enormous task, because obviously to establish a stable government you need a Prime Minister who inspires confidence,” he said.

Yves Leterme resigned as prime minister on December 19 after the Supreme Court ruled there had been political pressure in a court case over the bailout of the bank Fortis. The King stepped in and appointed a mediator when the ruling five parties failed to agree on who should succeed Leterme.

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tags: Belgium, Prime Minister