Belgian PM asked to stay until May elections

By Serife Cetin

BRUSSELS

Belgium's outgoing Prime Minister Charles Michel was asked to lead the government until the May 2019 local elections.

Belgium's King Philippe on Friday accepted the resignation of Michel but asked him and his government to stay on a caretaker capacity, the palace said in a statement.

King Philippe has the authority to hold, accept, or immediately refuse Michel's resignation.

Belgium's prime minister announced Tuesday that he is set to resign after a Flemish party quit the ruling coalition over a migration pact row.

Speaking at the parliament, Michel said: "I have decided to resign. I will immediately go to see the king."

Earlier this month, Michel was left leading a minority government after a party quit over Belgium signing onto a UN migration pact.

On Twitter, the Belgian Royal Palace later announced that Philippe has decided to put Michel's resignation on hold.