In a significant turn of events, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo resigned on Monday after the failure of his party, Open Vld, in the regional, federal, and European elections. However, the government will continue to function until a new one is formed. The Belgian Royal House made the announcement on social media that King Philippe had accepted the resignation and entrusted the management of current affairs to the government.
Shortly after, De Croo announced on social media that he had been informed about his decision by King Philippe and that the government would manage current affairs and prepare for a transfer of powers. He acknowledged that his party had suffered disappointing electoral results and took responsibility for their failure. After the election results were known, he announced his intention to resign as Prime Minister.
De Croo’s resignation comes at a crucial time as European political forces negotiate the renewal of European institutions after the elections on June 9. His name has been considered for some of the main European positions, but other political parties such as French-speaking socialists have also experienced setbacks in the elections.
Following De Croo’s resignation, King Philippe has started contacting different parties and may nominate someone to form the next federal Executive in the coming days. Leaders of various political parties have started discussions with N-VA and Vlaams Belang expressing their preferences for a new government. The complex coalition system in Belgium depends on intricate alliances to form a government that represents both Flanders and Wallonia.
