Yves Leterme

"There is a new element of fragility. Mr. Leterme does not have the same confidence among French speakers as Mr. Van Rompuy," said Pascal Delwit, professor of politics at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles.

Read more: Belgians proud but concerned over Van Rompuy exit | In this article: Herman Van Rompuy, Belgium, European Union, Brussels, Le Soir, Paralysis, and Universite Libre de Bruxelles

"The King has accepted the resignation of my government and myself," said a terse statement from Leterme.

Read more: Belgian king accepts resignation of government | In this article: Fortis, E-mail, Allegation, Belgium, Due process, Christian democrats, and Jo Vandeurzen

"(Belgian Prime Minister Yves) Leterme put the proposal (for a resignation of his government) to the cabinet and they have agreed to it," Leterme's spokesman Peter Poulussen said. King Albert, who under the constitution must decide whether to accept the resignation, held talks with Leterme in the palace but deferred an immediate decision. "The king is suspending his response and is immediately beginning consultations,"

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"There is no question of any attempt or intent to influence the course of procedures," Leterme assured in the letter to Justice Minister Jo Vandeurzen, which was also circulated at parliament. However, Belgian business newspapers De Tijd and L'Echo reported that Paul Dhaeyer, a replacement for the prosecutor in the commercial court, contested such claims. The newspapers reported that a member of Leterme's office called Dhaeyer when he was preparing a recommendation for the court and told him testily: "We are concerned about your recommendation. Are you really aware of your responsibility?"

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"What will happen with the stake will be decided at the right time -- the financial crisis is far from over, so it's not the right time yet," a spokesman for Prime Minister Yves Leterme said. He said it was not an option for the government to transfer the stake to Fortis "next week or next month,"

Read more: Belgium may cede BNP stake to Fortis in future | In this article: Fortis, BNP Paribas, Belgium, L'Echo, and De Tijd

Leterme declared, "It appears that the languag communities' conflicting visions of how to give a new equilibrium to our state have become incompatible . . . state reform remains essential".

Read more: Yves Leterme | In this article: Yves Camille Desire Leterme, Albert II, Herman Van Rompuy, Belgium, Flanders, Fortis, and European Union

In 2006, Minister-President of Flanders Yves Leterme said: "The Gordel is a pleasant way to say that we want to keep the villages around Brussels Flemish.".

Read more: De Gordel | In this article: Brussels, Guy Verhofstadt, and Flanders

He said "We could make sure that they French-speaking Belgiu could build schools more cheaply. That would be beneficial for students from Wallonia and Brussels. Maybe if we could agree about that, French-speakers would be willing to negotiate about our demands."

Read more: 2007-2008 Belgian government formation | In this article: Herman Van Rompuy, Guy Verhofstadt, Didier Reynders, Joelle Milquet, and Albert II

In a statement on his website, Mr Leterme said: "I have acted with honour and conscience and for the general good. "

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"I insist that at no moment there was any attempt to influence, let alone attempt to obstruct, due process," Leterme said.

Read more: Belgium asks ex-premier to form new government | In this article: Belgium, Fortis, Wilfried Martens, Albert II, Due process, BNP Paribas, and France