Belgium’s king Albert II has appointed two new negotiators in an effort to try to form a government between the country’s Dutch and French-speaking fractions.

The plan C brings together the speakers from the upper and lower chambers of parliament and follows the resignation of socialist leader Elio Di Rupo.

He stepped down on Friday after he admitted his mediation mission to broker a viable coalition had failed.

It means Belgium has almost been rudderless since its election three months ago. It also makes the prospect of a new vote even more likely.

The previous coalition collapsed because of an electoral dispute over the region around the capital Brussels.

However, some fear the linguistic divide could ultimately lead to the break up of Belgium.

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