King accepts Belgian premier's resignation

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Monday said King Philippe has accepted his resignation, saying he takes responsibility for the European election result which is a "disappointment."

"The King has accepted my resignation. The government will manage current affairs and prepare the transition to a new team," De Croo wrote on X.

The Belgium's premier, leader of the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (Open VLD), announced that he is stepping down as the leader of his nation after the European election results.

Open VLD has taken in just 6% of the votes, 90% of which have been counted, at the EU elections.

Thanking his voters, De Croo added: "The election result is a disappointment and I take responsibility for that."

In the elections, the right-wing factions made notable gains, mainstream parties retained control of the 705-member parliament while the Greens and liberals faced a challenging night.

French President Emmanuel Macron also suffered a significant setback, forcing him to dissolve the parliament and announce snap elections.