Belgian government negotiator asks to quit

The man charged with bringing six parties together to form a coalition government in Belgium has handed in his resignation.

Elio Di Rupo, leader of the French-speaking Socialists, decided to quit after talks on next year’s budget failed to produce an agreement.

Despite wanting to go, Di Rupo will need King Albert II to approve his request to resign.

It is the second time Di Rupo has tried to step down. He was stopped from leaving in July when the King refused to let him go.

For nearly 18 months, Belgium has been struggling to agree on the make-up of a new government.

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