King Philippe of Belgium joins wife Mathilde and their four children on royal balcony after his father abdicates | Daily Mail Online Video of attorney hypnotizing clients for sexual pleasure New era: Prince Philippe arrives at the packed church St Gudule with wife Mathilde this morning for a service held to commemorate his corronation Embrace: The former monarch King Albert embraces his son warmly at the church.

King Philippe has taken over after his father decided to step aside on health grounds Emotional: Queen Paola, left, wipes away a tear at the cathedral as she sits next to her husband and the newly crowned King Philippe (right) Dignitaries: The cathedral was packed with Belgium officials, but no foreign royalty were present due to the fact King Albert only announced his abdication three weeks ago Packed: The cathedral was full to bursting with dignitaries and royal family for the momentous occasion Grand: The new monarch King Philippe of Belgium and his wife Queen Mathilde posed on the steps of the impressive Cathedral of St Michael and Saint Gudula Head of State: The new King Philippe waves to the crowd alongside his wife Queen Mathilde on this historic day for the people of Belgium Earlier both Albert and Philippe mingled with the crowds under a royal blue sky following a Catholic ceremony at the Cathedral of St Michael and Saint Gudula that set off the festivities. King Albert announced his abdication plans less than three weeks ago, so there was little time to turn the occasion into a huge international event. No foreign royals were at the ceremony. Since the royal transition coincides with Belgium's national day celebrations, a military parade had already been planned.

New Queen: King Philippe will supported throughout his reign by his glamorous wife Mathilde. Right, Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo attended the ceremony Glamorous: The new Queen Mathilde looked stunning in a cream dress and stylish hat as she waved to the crowd when leaving the cathedral Ceremonial: The new King Philippe is expected to avoid the thorny issue of Belgium politics, as his father before him has managed to do successfully throughout his reign Farewell: King Albert II waves goodbye to his people from his royal car Royalty: Princess Astrid of Belgium is seen in front of the Cathedral of St Michael and Saint Gudula prior to the Abdication Of King Albert Royal couple Princess Claire of Belgium and Prince Laurent arrive for the traditional Te Deum Mass at the Cathedral of St Michael and Saint Gudula on the occasion of Belgium's National Day in Brussels Mass: Princess Claire of Belgium arrives for the traditional Te Deum Mass at the Cathedral of St Michael and Saint Gudula. Right, Queen Paola Wellwishers: Crowds of people gather at Place du Jeu de Balle to pay tribute to popular King Albert, who has reigned for 20 years.

Those at the back were able to watch on big screens Colour: The scene around the abdication was awash with red, yellow and black, the colours of the Belgium flag Packed: The public gathered in the streets of Brussels in droves to catch a glimpse of their popular royal family Philippe will face a tough task in the coming months. The fractious nation, divided by language, holds parliamentary elections in June 2014 amid calls for even more autonomy for the language groups. After the last elections in 2010, it took a record 541 days before a government could be formed amid bickering about how much more power should be sapped from the central state to profit the separate language groups. Unlike his five predecessors, King Albert tried to avoid politics as much as possible and his successor is expected to do the same.

Ball: King Albert and Queen Paola of Belgium greet crowds during the National Ball in Brussels last night on the eve of the National Day celebrations Historic moment: King Albert of Belgium (left) abdicated earlier today following a 20-year reign and has passed the crown to his son Philippe (right) Prince Philippe has been groomed for the job as a leader of foreign trade delegations over the past two decades. 'He is a very wise person, a person who is very well prepared,' said EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who attended the ceremony. 'He knows the politics of Belgium and Europe very well.' King of Belgium | Current Head of State 08.04.2010 - 17:45 | Tags: King | Category: All , Europe Leaders , Kings King Albert II, King of Belgium King Albert II, King of Belgium King Albert II was born in Brussels, at the Chateau of Stuyvenberg, on 6 June 1934. King Albert II, who was given the title of “Prince of Liège” on birth, is the son of King Leopold III and of Queen Astrid, born Princess of Sweden.

He is the grandson of King Albert I and of Queen Elisabeth. On 29 August 1935, the Prince of Liège lost his mother, Queen Astrid, who died in a car accident at Küssnacht, Switzerland. On 10 May 1940, at the time when Belgium was being invaded, Prince Albert, his elder sister Princess Josephine-Charlotte and his elder brother Prince Baudouin, left the country for France and later Spain. The Prince and the Princess returned to Belgium on 2 August 1940. They continued their studies until 1944, either at Laeken, or at the Chateau of Ciergnon in the Ardennes. In June 1944, at the time of the Allied landings, Leopold III, Princess Lilian – who he married in 1941 – and the royal children were deported by the Germans to Hirschstein in Germany, and later to Strobl in Austria, where they were liberated by the American Army on 7 May 1945.

Due to the political situation in Belgium, King Leopold and his family moved to the villa “Le Reposoir” in Pregny, Switzerland, when they left Austria in October 1945. They would stay there until July 1950. During that time, Prince Albert would continue his education in a secondary school in Geneva. King Leopold III, accompanied by Prince Baudouin and Prince Albert, returned to Belgium on 22 July 1950. King Albert II On 2 July 1959, Prince Albert married Donna Paola Ruffo di Calabria, born of a princely family in Italy. King Albert II and Queen Paola have three children: Prince Philippe (born on 15 April 1960), Princess Astrid (born on 5 June 1962) and Prince Laurent (born on 19 October 1963). Prince Albert was asked in 1962 to exercise the function of Honorary President of the Board of Directors of the Belgian Foreign Trade Office, which he performed for 31 years.

In this capacity, he presided over a hundred trade missions throughout the world and made many visits to Belgian companies operating in the export field. To pay tribute to the Prince who made such an active contribution to boosting foreign trade over all those years, a Prince Albert Fund for training foreign trade specialists was set up in 1984. Moreover, Prince Albert also assumed the Presidency of the Board of the Caisse Générale d’Epargne et de Retraite from 1954 to 1992. He was President of the Belgian Red Cross from 1958 to 1993. Apart from these various functions, Prince Albert carried out actions in the field of town planning, housing, nature conservation, listed monuments and sites, and in general, management of the environment. In this context, he has presided or attended many international conferences. In 1969, he was invited by the Council of Europe to assume the Presidency of the European Ministerial Conference on the protection of the cultural and architectural heritage.

After the death of his brother, King Baudouin, Prince Albert was sworn in before the combined chambers of parliament on 9 August 1993 as the sixth King of the Belgians. Source: Belgium Government - Constitution, Flag, and Leaders US Newspapers Belgium Government Browse the listing below to find government information for Belgium, including flags, leaders, and constitution information. Factrover also has complete information on Belgium at its Belgium Country Page . Type: Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch. Independence: 1830. Constitution: 1994 (revised). Branches: Executive--King (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government), Cabinet. Legislative--bicameral parliament (Senate and Chamber of Representatives). Flemish Parliament with the Flemish Government for regional, educational, and cultural affairs; Walloon Regional Council (legislator) and government for Walloon Regional Affairs; Francophone Community Council and government for Francophone cultural and educational affairs; Brussels Regional Council and government for Brussels regional affairs; and German language Community Council and government for cultural and educational affairs.

Major political parties: Christian Democratic, Green (ecologist), Liberal (conservative philosophy in American terminology), Socialist, Vlaams Blok. Suffrage: Over 18, compulsory. Political subdivisions: Ten provinces, three regions, three communities, 589 municipalities. Belgium Government: Belgium is a hereditary constitutional monarchy. The current monarch is King Albert II, who took the oath of office on August 9, 1993. As titular head of state, the King plays a largely ceremonial and symbolic role in the nation. His primary political function is to designate a political leader to attempt to form a new cabinet following either an election, the resignation of a government, or a parliamentary vote of no confidence. The King is seen as playing a symbolic unifying role, representing a common national Belgian identity. The Belgian Parliament consists of a Senate and a Chamber of Representatives (also called the House). The Chamber of Representatives has 150 directly elected members. The Senate has 71 elected members. The executive branch of the government consists of ministers and secretaries of state (junior ministers) drawn from the political parties that form the government coalition.

The number of ministers is limited to 15, and they have no seat in Parliament. The Cabinet is chaired by the Prime Minister and consists of the ministerial heads of the executive departments. The allocation of powers between the Parliament and the Cabinet is somewhat similar to the United States--the Parliament enacts legislation and appropriates funds--but the Belgian Parliament does not have the same degree of independent power that the U.S. Congress has. Members of political parties represented in the government are expected to support all bills presented by the Cabinet. The Chamber of Representatives is the �political� body that votes on motions of confidence and budgets. The Senate deals with long-term issues and votes on an equal footing with the Chamber on a limited range of matters, including constitutional reform bills and international treaties.

The largest parties in the current Chamber are the Flemish Liberal Party (VLD), 25 seats; the Francophone Socialists (PS), 25 seats, the Francophone Liberals (MR), 24 seats; the Flemish Socialists and Spirit alliance (SP.A/Spirit), 23 seats, the Flemish Christian Democratic party (CD&V), 21 seats; the right-wing Vlaams Blok party (VB), 18 seats; and the Francophone Christian Democrats (CDH) 8 seats. The Francophone Greens (ECOLO), have 4 seats, while the New Flemish Alliance (NV.A) and Francophone Front National each have 1 seat. The Flemish Greens (AGALEV) did not win any Chamber seats in the 2003 election, but have one "co-opted" Senator. The Prime Minister and his ministers administer the government and the various public services. Ministers must defend their policies and performance in person before the Chamber. source: The Belgian Monarchy Read more The Queen Her Majesty the Queen was born in Uccle on 20 January 1973.

She is the daughter of Count and Countess Patrick d'Udekem d'Acoz. Read more Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, was born in Anderlecht on 25 October 2001, the first child of Their Majesties the King and Queen. Read more Prince Gabriel Gabriel, Prince of Belgium, was born in Anderlecht on 20 August 2003. Prince Gabriel is the second child of Their Majesties the King and Queen. Read more Prince Emmanuel Emmanuel, Prince of Belgium, was born in Anderlecht on 4 October 2005, the third child of Their Majesties the King and Queen. Read more Princess Eléonore Eléonore, Princess of Belgium, was born in Anderlecht on 16 April 2008, the fourth child of Their Majesties the King and Queen. Read more King Albert II & Queen Paola His Majesty King Albert II was born in Brussels, at Stuyvenberg Castle, on 6 June 1934.

Albert, who was given the title 'Prince of Liège' at birth, is the son of King Leopold III and of Queen Astrid, born Princess of Sweden. He is the grandson of King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth. Read more Princess Astrid & Prince Lorenz Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium, was born in Brussels on 5 June 1962. She is the second child of King Albert II and Queen Paola. Read more Prince Laurent & Princess Claire His Royal Highness Prince Laurent was born on 19 October 1963 and is the youngest son of King Albert II and Queen Paola. Philippe becomes king of Belgium Philippe becomes king of Belgium Belgium will get a new king when Albert's son, Philippe, takes the oath. Post to Facebook Philippe becomes king of Belgium Belgium will get a new king when Albert's son, Philippe, takes the oath. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

7 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Philippe becomes king of Belgium Raf Casert and Mike Corder, Associated Press Published 4:57 a.m. ET July 21, 2013 | Updated 12:28 p.m. ET July 21, 2013 CLOSE x Share King Philippe I became Belgium's seventh monarch on Sunday's national day after his father Albert abdicated as the head of the fractured nation. (July 21) AP Prince Philippe of Belgium takes his oath following the abdication of his father King Albert II at the Federal Parliament on Sunday in Brussels. (Photo: Getty Images) Belgium's King Albert abdicates after a 20-year reign Son takes oath as the nation's seventh king 79-year-old Albert signed away his rights as the kingdom's largely ceremonial ruler BRUSSELS - King Philippe I became Belgium's seventh monarch during a national holiday on Sunday after his father Albert abdicated as the head of this fractured nation.

After he took the oath at the parliament filled with representatives of the 6 million Dutch-speaking Flemings and 4.5 million Francophones, Philippe insisted "the wealth of our nation and our institutions consists in turning our diversity into a strength." The ceremony capped a day of transition which started when Philippe's father, the 79-year-old Albert, signed away his rights as the kingdom's largely ceremonial ruler at the royal palace in the presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who holds the political power in this 183-year-old parliamentary democracy. Less than two hours later, the nation got a new king While crowds of well-wishers cheered the royal family's every move Sunday, far from everybody in Belgium was happy with the new king.when Philippe, 53, pledged to abide by Belgium's laws and constitution. One Flemish separatist group, the Flemish Interest party, boycotted the parliamentary ceremony, while the legislature's biggest party, the N-VA New Flemish Alliance, sent only a limited delegation without its leader, Bart De Wever.

"We are full-blooded democrats and the purest form of democracy is the republic," said Jan Jambon, the parliamentary leader of the party, which has surged to become the main opposition party seeking Flemish independence through transition. Their absence also highlighted one of the biggest challenges Philippe will face in his reign — how to remain relevant as a unitary symbol in a nation ever more drifting apart between the northern Flemings and the southern Francophones. Philippe made no attempt to paper over those cracks, instead casting the country's division as one of its strengths. "Time and again we find the balance between unity and diversity," King Philippe said. "Belgium's strength is precisely that we make room for our differences." There was enough unity on show when the new royal couple appeared at the palace's balcony cheered by some 10,000 well-wishers braving the relentless sun and 30C (86F) heat. Flanked by huge bouquets of white roses, lilies and gerbera, King Philippe kissed new Queen Mathilde's hand and got a peck on the cheek in return. President Obama sent the new king congratulations, said American National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.

"The president also sends his heartfelt appreciation to King Albert II for his warmth, service, and leadership as he steps down after nearly 20 years," the statement said. "Belgium is a valued friend of the United States, and the president looks forward to continuing to deepen this bond in the years to come." Unlike a disturbance during the oath-taking by King Albert 20 years ago, when one legislator shouted "Long live the European Republic," Sunday's ceremony in the packed legislature was flawless, with Albert and Philippe's wife, Queen Mathilde, looking on as he confidently took the oath. Philippe has long been contested as a worthy successor of Albert, but after years of wooden and timid public performances, the silver-haired, bespectacled monarch came over as confident and pressure proof. "Belgium is modernizing itself and it gives me joy," Albert said. In a rare show of public affection for his son, the two embraced warmly when Albert signed away his rights as the kingdom's largely ceremonial ruler at the royal palace.

Under crystal chandeliers in a gilded hall at the royal palace, Prime Minister Di Rupo called Albert "a great head of state" and told the outgoing king, "You are closing an important page in the history of our country." (Photo: David Stockman, AFP/Getty Images) Albert announced his abdication plans less than three weeks ago, so there was little time to turn the occasion into a huge international event. No foreign royals were at the ceremony. Since the royal transition coincides with Belgium's national day celebrations, a military parade had already been planned. Philippe will face a tough task in the coming months. The fractious nation, divided by language, holds parliamentary elections in June 2014 amid calls for even more autonomy for the language groups. And perhaps even less power for the king himself. Up to now, the king is still involved in government formation talks by picking go-betweens and brokers to set up multiparty coalitions reaching across the linguistic divide. Anti-royalists consider even this too much power.

"There is only one place where he belongs and that's in fairytales," said Michel Mischeenaker, an anti-royalist activist who stood outside the church where Sunday's ceremonies started. After the last elections in 2010, it took a record 541 days before a government could be formed amid bickering about how much more power should be sapped from the central state to profit the separate language groups. Then, as likely next year, the N-VA will play a key role. Unlike his five predecessors, Albert tried to avoid politics as much as possible and Philippe is expected to do likewise. Philippe has been groomed for the job as a leader of foreign trade delegations over the past two decades. "He is a very wise person, a person who is very well prepared," said EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who attended the ceremony. "He knows the politics of Belgium and Europe very well." 247 CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN 7 COMMENTEMAILMORE Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read or Share this story: NEVER MISS OUT The Short List Let us bring the headlines to you every night. Stay current and catch up on the biggest stories of the day. Belgium U.S. Department of State Background Note Belgium Belgium GEOGRAPHY AND PEOPLE Belgium is located in Western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea. Although generally flat, the terrain becomes increasingly hilly and forested in the southeast (Ardennes) region. Climate is cool, temperate, and rainy; summer temperatures average 77°F, winters average 45°F. Annual extremes (rarely attained) are 10°F and 100°F. Geographically and culturally, Belgium is at a crossroads of Europe, and during the past 2,000 years has witnessed a constant ebb and flow of different races and cultures. Consequently, Belgium is one of Europe's true melting pots with Celtic, Roman, Germanic, French, Dutch, Spanish, and Austrian cultures having made an imprint.

Belgium is divided ethnically into the Dutch-speaking Flemings and French-speaking Walloons, the 70,000 residents of the eastern German cantons, and the bilingual capital of Brussels. The population density is the second highest in Europe, after the Netherlands. HISTORY Belgium derives its name from the Belgae, a Celtic tribe. The Belgae were forced to yield to Roman legions during the first century B.C. For some 300 years thereafter, what is now Belgium flourished as a province of Rome. But Rome's power gradually lessened. In about A.D. 300, Attila the Hun invaded what is now Germany and pushed Germanic tribes into northern Belgium. About 100 years later, the Germanic tribe of the Franks invaded and took possession of Belgium. The northern part of present-day Belgium became an overwhelmingly Germanized and Germanic-Frankish-speaking area, whereas in the southern part people continued to be Roman and spoke derivatives of Latin.

After coming under the rule of the Dukes of Burgundy and, through marriage, passing into the possession of the Hapsburgs, Belgium was occupied by the Spanish (1519-1713) and the Austrians (1713-1794). Under these various rulers, and especially during the 500 years from the 12th to the 17th century, the great cities of Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, and Antwerp took turns at being major European centers for commerce, industry (especially textiles), and art. Flemish painting--from Van Eyck and Breugel to Rubens and Van Dyck--became the most prized in Europe. Flemish tapestries hung on castle walls throughout Europe. Following the French Revolution, Belgium was invaded and annexed by Napoleonic France in 1795. Following the defeat of Napoleon's army at the Battle of Waterloo, fought just a few miles south of Brussels, Belgium was separated from France and made part of the Netherlands by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. In 1830, Belgium won its independence from the Dutch as a result of an uprising of the Belgian people.

A constitutional monarchy was established in 1831, with a monarch invited in from the House of Saxe-Coburg Gotha in Germany. Belgium was invaded by Germany in 1914 and again in 1940. Those invasions, plus disillusionment over postwar Soviet behavior, made Belgium one of the foremost advocates of collective security within the framework of European integration and the Atlantic partnership. Since 1944, when British, Canadian, and American armies liberated Belgium, the country has lived in security and at a level of increased well-being. Language, economic, and political differences between Dutch-speaking Flanders and Francophone Wallonia have led to increased divisions in Belgian society. The Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and the 19th century accentuated the linguistic North-South division. Francophone Wallonia became an early industrial boom area, affluent and politically dominant. Dutch-speaking Flanders remained agricultural and was economically and politically outdistanced by Brussels and Wallonia. The last 50 years have marked the rapid economic development of Flanders, resulting in a corresponding shift of political and economic power to the Flemish, who now constitute an absolute majority (58%) of the population.

Demonstrations in the early 1960s led to the establishment of a formal linguistic border in 1962, and elaborate rules made to protect minorities in linguistically mixed border areas. In 1970, Flemish and Francophone cultural councils were established with authority in matters of language and culture for the two-language groups. Each of the three economic regions--Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels--was granted a significant measure of political autonomy. Since 1984, the German language community of Belgium (in the eastern part of Liège Province) has had its own legislative assembly and executive, which have authority in cultural, language, and subsequently educational affairs. In 1988-89, the Constitution was again amended to give additional responsibilities to the regions and communities. The most sweeping change was the devolution of educational responsibilities to the community level. As a result, the regions and communities were provided additional revenue, and Brussels was given its own legislative assembly and executive. Another important constitutional reform occurred in the summer of 1993, changing Belgium from a unitary to a federal state.

It also reformed the bicameral parliamentary system and provided for the direct election of the members of community and regional legislative councils. The bilingual Brabant province, which contained the Brussels region, was split into separate Flemish and Walloon Brabant provinces. The revised Constitution came into force in 1994. A parliamentary democracy, Belgium has been governed by successive coalitions of two or more political parties. The centrist Christian Democratic Party often provided the Prime Minister. The June 13, 1999 general election saw a significant drop in overall Christian Democratic support. Driven in part by resentment over a mishandled dioxin food-contamination crisis just before the June 1999 election, Belgian voters rejected Jean Luc Dehaene's longstanding coalition government of Christian Democrats and Socialists and voted into power a coalition led by Flemish Liberal Leader Guy Verhofstadt. The first Verhofstadt government (1999-2003) was a six-party coalition between the Flemish and Francophone Liberals, Socialists, and Greens. It was the first Liberal-led coalition in generations and the first six-party coalition in 20 years. It also was the first time the Greens had participated in Belgium's federal government.

In the most recent general election in May 2003, the Greens suffered significant loses, while the Socialists posted strong gains and the Liberals also had modest growth in electoral support. Liberal Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt reconstituted the coalition as a four-party government in July 2003, with only the Liberals and Socialists in power. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS Belgium is a hereditary constitutional monarchy. The current monarch is King Albert II, who took the oath of office on August 9, 1993. As titular head of state, the King plays a largely ceremonial and symbolic role in the nation. His primary political function is to designate a political leader to attempt to form a new cabinet following either an election, the resignation of a government, or a parliamentary vote of no confidence. The King is seen as playing a symbolic unifying role, representing a common national Belgian identity. The Belgian Parliament consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The House of Representatives has 150 directly elected members. The Senate has 71 elected members. The executive branch of the government consists of ministers and secretaries of state (junior ministers) drawn from the political parties that form the government coalition.

The number of ministers is limited to 15, and they have no seat in Parliament. The Council of Ministers is chaired by the Prime Minister and consists of the ministerial heads of the executive departments. The allocation of powers between the Parliament and the Council of Ministers is somewhat similar to the United States--the Parliament enacts legislation and appropriates funds--but the Belgian Parliament does not have the same degree of independent power that the U.S. Congress has. Members of political parties represented in the government are expected to support all bills presented by the Cabinet. The House of Representatives is the "political" body that votes on motions of confidence and budgets. The Senate deals with long-term issues and votes on an equal footing with the Chamber on a limited range of matters, including constitutional reform bills and international treaties.

The largest parties in the current Chamber are the Flemish Liberal Party (VLD), 25 seats; the Francophone Socialists (PS), 25 seats, the Francophone Liberals (MR), 25 seats; the Flemish Socialists and Spirit alliance (SP.A/Spirit), 23 seats, the Flemish Christian Democratic party (CD&V), 21 seats; the right-wing Vlaams Belang party (VB), 18 seats; and the Francophone Christian Democrats (CDH) 7 seats. The Francophone Greens (ECOLO), have 4 seats, while the New Flemish Alliance (NV.A) and Francophone Front National each have 1 seat. The Flemish Greens (AGALEV -- now Groen!) did not win any Chamber seats in the 2003 election, but have one "co-opted" Senator (see below) as a result of an agreement with the Flemish Socialist Party. National elections will take place on June 10, 2007. The Prime Minister and his ministers administer the government and the various public services. Ministers must defend their policies and performance in person before the House.

The Council of Ministers At the federal level, executive power is wielded by the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister chairs the Council. Each minister heads a governmental department. No single party or party "family" across linguistic lines holds an absolute majority of seats in Parliament. Consequently, the Council of Ministers reflects the weight of political parties that constitute the governing coalition for the House, currently the four-party Liberal-Socialist coalition. Principal Government Officials Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice--Laurette Onkelinx Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance--Didier Reynders Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Budget and Public Enterprise--Freya van den Bossche Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior--Patrick Dewael Minister of Foreign Affairs--Karel De Gucht Minister of Defense--Andre Flahaut Minister for the Economy, Energy, Foreign Trade, and Science Policy--Marc Verwilghen Ambassador to the United States--Dominicus Struye de Swielande Ambassador to the United Nations--Johan Verbeke The Belgian embassy is located at 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel.

202-333-6900; fax 202-333-3079). The Electoral System The number of seats in the House of Representatives is constitutionally set at 150, elected from 11 electoral districts. Each district is given a number of seats proportional to its total population (not number of eligible voters) ranging from 4 for the Luxembourg district to 24 for Antwerp. The districts are divided along linguistic lines: 5 Flemish, 5 Walloon, and the bilingual district of Brussels. The Senate consists of 71 seats. For electoral purposes, Senators are divided into three categories: 40 directly elected; 21 elected by the community parliaments; and 10 "co-opted" Senators. For the election of the 25 Flemish and 15 francophone directly elected Senators, the country is divided into three electoral districts--Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels Capital Region. Of the 21 Senators representing the communities, 10 are elected by the Flemish Parliament, 10 by the French Community Parliament, and 1 by the German-language Parliament.

The remaining category, the 10 "co-opted" senators, are elected by the first two groups of senators. The princes and princesses of the royal line are also members of the Senate--currently Prince Phillippe, Prince Laurent, and Princess Astrid. In Belgium, there are no "national" parties operating on both sides of the linguistic border. Consequently, elections are a contest among Flemish parties in Dutch-speaking Flanders and Francophone parties in Wallonia. Only in officially bilingual Brussels can voters choose from either Flemish or Francophone parties. Several months before an election, the parties form a list of candidates for each district. Parties are allowed to place as many candidates on their "list" as there are seats available. The formation of the list is an internal process that varies with each party. The number of seats each party receives and where on a list a candidate is placed, or how many individual votes a candidate receives, determines whether a candidate is elected. Since no single party holds an absolute majority in Parliament, after each election the strongest party or "party family" will create a coalition with other parties to form the government. Voting is compulsory in Belgium; more than 90% of eligible voters participate.

Belgium has 25 seats in the European Parliament. Belgium’s Linguistic Divide In August 1980, the Belgian Parliament passed a devolution bill and amended the Constitution, establishing "Community autonomy." As a result, in Flanders, the Flemish Parliament and government are competent for both regional and community affairs; in Wallonia, the Francophone Community Parliament and government are competent for community affairs, while the Walloon Regional Parliament and government are responsible for regional affairs. Subsequent constitutional reform established a community Parliament and government governments for the German-speaking cantons in 1983, and a regional Parliament and government for the Brussels Capital Region in 1989. The regional and community governments have jurisdiction over transportation, public works, water policy, cultural matters, education, public health, environment, housing, zoning, economic and industrial policy, agriculture, foreign trade, and oversight of provincial and local governments. They rely on a system of revenue sharing with the federal government for most of their funds. They have the authority to levy taxes (mostly surcharges) and contract loans. Moreover, they have obtained treaty-making power for those issues coming under their respective jurisdictions.

Of total public spending--interest payments not considered--more than 40% is authorized by the regions and communities. Provincial and Local Government In addition to three regions and three cultural communities, Belgium also is divided into 10 provinces and 589 municipalities. The provincial governments are primarily administrative units and are politically weak. A governor appointed by the King presides over each province. Each governor is supported by an elected Provincial Council of 47 to 84 members (depending on the size of the province), which sits only four weeks a year. Municipal governments, on the other hand, are vigorous political entities with significant powers and a history of independence dating from medieval times. Many national politicians originate from municipal political bases; and many often double as mayor or alderman in their hometowns in addition to their federal and regional political positions. Political Parties From the creation of the Belgian state in 1830 and throughout most of the 19th century, two political parties dominated Belgian politics: the Catholic Party and the Liberal Party. In the late 19th century the Socialist Party arose, representing the emerging industrial working class.

These three groups still dominate Belgian governments, but they have evolved substantially in character and face new electoral challengers. The Christian Democratic Parties. After World War II, the Catholic (subsequently Christian Democratic) Party severed its formal ties with the Church. It became a mass party of the center (more like a political party in the United States). In 1968, the Christian Democratic Party responded to linguistic tensions in the country by dividing into two independent parties, now known as the Center Democratic and Humanistic (CDH) in Francophone Wallonia and the Flemish Christian Democrats (CD&V) in Flanders. The two parties share similar policies but maintain separate organizations. The Socialist Parties. The modern Belgian Socialist parties are labor-based parties. Despite the post-World War II dominance of the Christian Democrats, the Socialists headed several postwar governments. The Socialists also split along linguistic lines in 1978. The francophone Socialists dominate the cities and towns of Wallonia and Brussels. The Flemish Socialists' support is less concentrated. The Liberal Parties. In modern times, the Liberal Parties in Belgium have chiefly appealed to business people, property owners, shopkeepers, and the self-employed.

In American terms, the Liberals' positions could be considered to reflect a more conservative free market oriented economic ideology. This non-interventionist ideology is reflected also in the parties' strong support for gay marriage, homosexual adoption, and euthanasia. The two current Liberal parties were formed in 1971, after the original all-Belgium Liberal Party split along linguistic lines. They are the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD) (Prime Minister Verhofstadt's party) in Flanders and the Reform Movement (MR) in Wallonia. Greens. The Flemish (Groen!) and Francophone (ECOLO) ecologist parties made their Parliamentary breakthrough in 1981. Following significant gains in the 1999 general elections, the two Green parties joined a federal coalition cabinet for the first time in their history in Prime Minister Verhofstadt's first six-party coalition government. The parties experienced significant losses in the May 2003 election, however; with ECOLO winning only four seats in the House and AGALEV failing to win any seats. They were thus excluded from the new coalition formed by returning Liberal Prime Minister Verhofstadt in 2003.

Following the election, AGALEV changed its name to "Groen!." The Linguistic Parties. A postwar phenomenon in Belgium was the emergence of linguistic-based parties, which were formed to defend the cultural, political, and economic interests of one of the linguistic groups or regions of Belgian society. The far-right Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) is the most militant Flemish regional party, with a separatist, anti-immigration, law and order platform. The Vlaams Belang was formerly called the Vlaams Bloc, until a 2004 high court ruling confirmed a lower court verdict that the Bloc was a "racist" party. Faced with further legal problems, the Bloc disbanded and resurrected itself as the Vlaams Belang, with the same party leaders but a less radical party policy. The Vlaams Belang was the second most popular party in the 2004 regional elections, with 24% of the vote.

Polls in 2007 showed the Vlaams Belang as the second or third most popular political party in Flanders, after the Christian Democrats (at about 30%), about even with the Socialists (at about 20%), and ahead of the Liberals. In Wallonia, the small Francophone nationalist Front National (FN) surprised many political pundits by gaining enough votes in the May 2003 federal election to survive the new 5% cutoff limit for votes in any precinct required to enter Parliament. FN retained its 1 Chamber seat and gained 2 new Senate seats. The now-defunct Volksunie Party (VU) was the most militant Flemish regional party in Parliament in the 1950s and 1960s, drawing nearly one-quarter of Belgium's Dutch-speaking electorate at the height of its popularity. However, as much of the VU's nationalist agenda was realized through subsequent Constitutional reforms that saw the devolution of significant power to the Regions, the VU suffered severe setbacks in more recent elections, winning only 8 seats in the 150-seat Chamber in 1999.

In 2001, Volksunie splintered into a traditional Flemish nationalist faction, the NVA (currently in alliance with the CD&V since before the 2004 regional election), and a more liberal faction, Spirit (in an electoral alliance with the Flemish Socialist Party since before the 2003 federal election). Labor Unions Belgium is a highly unionized country, and organized labor has been a powerful influence in politics, although less so in recent elections. About 53% of all private sector and public service employees are labor union members. Unlike many American unions, Belgian labor unions take positions on a wide range of political issues, including education, public finance, defense spending, environmental protection, women's rights, abortion, and other issues. They also provide a range of services, including the administration of unemployment benefits and health insurance programs. Belgium's three principal trade union organizations are the Confederation of Catholic Labor Unions (CSC/ACV), the Belgian Socialist Confederation of Labor (FGTB/ABVV), and the Confederation of Liberal Labor Unions (CGSLB/ACLVB).

Until the 1950s, the FGTB/ABVV was the largest confederation; since then, however, the CSC/ACV has become the leading trade union force. The Confederation of Catholic Labor Unions (CSC/ACV). Organized in 1912, the CSC/ACV rejected the Marxist concept of "class struggle" and seeks to achieve a just social order based on Christian principles. The CSC/ACV is not formally linked to its party political counterparts, the Christian Democratic parties (CD&V and CDH) but exercises influence in their councils. The CSC/ACV is the leading union in all Flemish provinces and in Wallonia's Luxembourg province. It has almost equal strength with the socialist confederation in the Brussels area. The Belgian Socialist Confederation of Labor (FGTB/ABVV). The FGTB/ABVV derives from the Socialist Trade Union Movement, established in the late 19th century in Walloon industrial areas, Brussels, and urban areas of Flanders. Today, the FGTB/ABVV is the leading union in the Hainaut, Namur, and Liège provinces and matches the CSC/ACV in Brussels.

The Confederation of Liberal Labor Unions (CGSLB/ACLVB). With 240,000 members, this is the smallest of the major union groups. Drawing primarily from management positions, the Brussels-based CGLB/ACVB is Belgium's most pro-business union. The union is not formally affiliated with any political party. Current Issues Belgium is a member of the European Economic and Monetary Union. Budgetary issues remain a key concern of the Verhofstadt government, particularly given the slow economic growth Belgium and most of Europe have experienced of late. Belgium's reaction to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was strong and supportive. For example, Belgium played a key role in helping to obtain EU-wide agreement on a European arrest warrant and in facilitating extradition of terrorist suspects. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Belgium contributed a navy frigate in the Mediterranean, AWAC crews for surveillance flights over the United States, as well as aircraft for humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Belgium has contributed ground troops to ISAF since 2002 and provides humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to both Afghanistan and Iraq.

In 2006, Belgium sent about 400 peacekeepers to Lebanon in support of the UN mission there. Current issues before the Verhofstadt government include improving the climate for foreign investment, dealing with rising health care costs, and adjusting the federal social security system to a rapidly aging population. Belgium continues to increase its counter-terrorism capabilities by adding domestic legislative, judicial, intelligence, and law enforcement tools that increase its ability to prevent or respond to terrorism. The government also cooperates closely with other European states and the United States in investigating cases of international terrorism. In 2006, Belgium convicted ten individuals for their support of attacks in Madrid and Casablanca. Belgium operates within UN and EU frameworks concerning the freezing of terrorist assets, and in 2007 enacted a domestic legal framework to act independently. ECONOMY Belgium, a highly developed market economy, belongs to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group of leading industrialized democracies. With a geographic area about equal to that of Maryland, and a population of 10.4 million, Belgian per capita GDP ranks among the world’s highest.

In 2006, the per capita income (PPP) was $31,800. The federal government has managed to present balanced budgets in recent years, but public debt remains high, at 94% at the end of 2005. GDP growth in 2006 was predicted to be 2.5%. Densely populated Belgium is located at the heart of one of the world's most highly industrialized regions. The first country to undergo an industrial revolution on the continent of Europe in the early 1800s, Belgium developed an excellent transportation infrastructure of ports, canals, railways, and highways to integrate its industry with that of its neighbors. One of the founding members of the European Community (EC), Belgium strongly supports deepening the powers of the present-day European Union to integrate European economies further. With exports equivalent to over two-thirds of GNP, Belgium depends heavily on world trade. Belgium's trade advantages are derived from its central geographic location and a highly skilled, multilingual, and productive work force. The Belgian industrial sector can be compared to a complex processing machine: It imports raw materials and semi-finished goods that are further processed and re-exported.

Except for its coal, which is no longer economical to exploit, Belgium has virtually no natural resources. Nonetheless, most traditional industrial sectors are represented in the economy, including steel, textiles, refining, chemicals, food processing, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, and machinery fabrication. Despite the heavy industrial component, services account for 74.6% of GDP. Agriculture accounts for only 1.4% of the GDP. Belgian Economy in the 20th Century For 200 years through World War I, French-speaking Wallonia was a technically advanced, industrial region, while Dutch-speaking Flanders was predominantly agricultural. This disparity began to fade during the interwar period. As Belgium emerged from World War II with its industrial infrastructure relatively undamaged, the stage was set for a period of rapid development, particularly in Flanders. The postwar boom years contributed to the rapid expansion of light industry throughout most of Flanders, particularly along a corridor stretching between Brussels and Antwerp (now the second-largest port in Europe after Rotterdam), where a major concentration of petrochemical industries developed.

The older, traditional industries of Wallonia, particularly steelmaking, began to lose their competitive edge during this period, but the general growth of world prosperity masked this deterioration until the 1973 and 1979 oil price shocks sent the economy into a period of prolonged recession. In the 1980s and 1990s, the economic center of the country continued to shift northward to Flanders. Foreign Investment Foreign investment contributed significantly to Belgian economic growth in the 1960s. In particular, U.S. firms played a leading role in the expansion of light industrial and petrochemical industries in the 1960s and 1970s. The Belgian Government encourages new foreign investment as a means to promote employment. With regional devolution, Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia now have substantial autonomy in courting potential foreign investors, as each deems appropriate. Foreign direct investment totaled more than $36.7 billion in 2005. U.S. and other foreign companies in Belgium account for approximately 11% of the total work force, with the U.S. share at about 6%. U.S.

companies are heavily represented in the chemical sector, automotive assembly, and petroleum refining. A number of U.S. service industries followed in the wake of these investments--banks, law firms, public relations, accounting, and executive search firms. The resident American community in Belgium now exceeds 20,000. Attracted by the EU 1992 single-market program, many U.S. law firms and lawyers have settled in Brussels since 1989. Monetary On May 1, 1998, Belgium became a first-tier member of the European Monetary Union. Belgium switched from the Belgian franc (BF) to the Euro as its currency after January 1, 2002. Trade About 75% of Belgium's trade is with fellow EU member states. Given this high percentage, Belgium seeks to diversify and expand trade opportunities with non-EC countries. Belgium ranks as the 11th-largest market for the export of U.S. goods and services. If goods in transit to other European countries are excluded, Belgium ranks as the 12th-largest market for U.S. goods. Bilaterally, there are few points of friction with the U.S. in the trade and economic area.

The Belgian authorities are, as a rule, anti-protectionist and try to maintain a hospitable and open trade and investment climate. As a result, the U.S. Government focuses its market-opening efforts on the EU Commission and larger member states. Moreover, the Commission negotiates on trade issues for all member states, which, in turn lessens bilateral trade disputes with Belgium. Employment The social security system, which expanded rapidly during the prosperous 1950s and 1960s, includes a medical system, unemployment insurance coverage, child allowances, invalid benefits, and other benefits and pensions. With the onset of a recession in the 1970s, this system became an increasing burden on the economy and accounted for much of the government budget deficits. The national unemployment figures mask considerable differences between Flanders and Wallonia. Unemployment in Wallonia is mainly structural, while in Flanders it is cyclical. Flanders' unemployment level equals only half that of Wallonia. The southern region continues a difficult transition out of sunset industries (mainly coal and steel), while sunrise industries (chemicals, high-tech, and services) dominate in Flanders.

Belgium’s unemployment rate was 8.5% in 2006. A total of 4.4 million people make up Belgium’s labor force. The majority of these people (73%) work in the service sector. Belgian industry claims 25% of the labor force and agriculture only 2%. As in other industrialized nations, pension and other social entitlement programs have become a major concern as the "baby boom" generation approaches retirement. Budget Although Belgium is a wealthy country, public expenditures far exceeded income for many years, and taxes were not diligently pursued. The Belgian Government reacted with poor macroeconomic policies to the 1973 and 1979 oil price hikes by hiring the redundant work force into the public sector and subsidizing industries like coal, steel, textiles, glass, and shipbuilding, which had lost their international competitive edge. As a result, cumulative government debt reached 121% of GDP by the end of the 1980s. However, thanks to Belgium's high personal savings rate, the Belgian Government financed the deficit from mainly domestic savings, minimizing the deleterious effects on the overall economy.

The federal government ran a 7.1% budget deficit in 1992 at the time of the EU’s Treaty of Maastricht, which established conditions for Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) that led to adoption of the common Euro currency on January 1, 2002. Among other criteria spelled out under the Maastricht treaty, the Belgian Government had to attain a budget deficit of no greater than 3% of GDP by the end of 1997; Belgium achieved this, with a total budget deficit in 2001 (just prior to implementation of the Euro currency) that amounted to 0.2% of GDP. The government has balanced the budget every year since. Belgium’s accumulated public debt remains high, but the liberal-socialist coalition government has paid it down to 94% of 2005 GDP. FOREIGN RELATIONS The Concert of Nations sanctioned the creation of Belgium in 1830 on the condition that the country remains strictly neutral. During the two World Wars Belgium tried but was unable to follow a policy of neutrality due to the German invasions.

In 1948, Belgium signed the Treaty of Brussels with Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and a year later became one of the founding members of NATO. Belgium remains a strong proponent of both NATO and European defense efforts. Belgium also is a strong advocate of strengthening economic and political integration within the EU. Having federalized their own country, many Belgians view themselves as the ultimate "European federalists." Both NATO (since 1966) and the EU have their headquarters in Brussels; SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, NATO's military headquarters) is in the south of the country, near Mons. Belgium supported the expansion of NATO and EU membership to the new democracies of central and eastern Europe and is actively engaged in the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe. Belgium served as the Chair-in-Office of the OSCE in 2006. Belgium sits on the United Nations Security Council during 2007-2008. U.S.-BELGIAN RELATIONS The United States and Belgium are good friends and allies, despite occasional disagreements on a limited number of foreign policy issues.

Good will and affection for Americans continues as a result of the U.S. role during and after the two World Wars, most recently exhibited in 2004 during the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Belgium. The U.S. appreciates Belgian activism in international affairs including its participation in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, its reconstruction and development assistance to Iraq, its peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and Lebanon, its frequent provision of airlift in international crises, and its hosting of 2005 and 2007 transatlantic dialogues between European foreign ministers and the Secretary of State. During the January 17, 2006 visit by Prime Minister Verhofstadt, President Bush thanked him for his "leadership" in helping "the people of the Congo realize their full potential." The U.S. continues to believe that Belgium could be even more active in sharing the international security burden. As an outward-looking nation, Belgium works closely with the United States bilaterally and in international and regional organizations to encourage economic and political cooperation and assistance to developing countries. Belgium has welcomed hundreds of U.S.

firms to its territory, many of which have their European headquarters there. Principal U.S. Embassy Officials Deputy Chief of Mission--William Imbrie Political Counselor--Theodore H. Andrews Regional Security Officer--Kevin W. Bauer Public Affairs Counselor--Chris Rochester Consul General--Colwell C. Whitney The U.S. Embassy in Belgium is located at 27 Boulevard du Régent, 1000 Brussels (tel. 02/501-2111, fax 02/511-2725). The European Logistical Support Office (ELSO) is at Norrderlaan 147, Box 12A, 2030 Antwerp (tel. 03/542-4775, fax 03/542-6567). The Consular section in Brussels is located at 25 Boulevard du Régent. U.S. Mission to NATO Permanent U.S. Representative to NATO (USNATO)-- Victoria J. Nuland Deputy Chief of Mission, USNATO--Richard G. Olson The U.S.

Mission to NATO (USNATO) is at NATO Headquarters, on the Autoroute de Zaventem, 1110 Brussels (tel. 02/724-3111, fax 02/726-5796). U.S. Mission to the EU Ambassador to the European Union-- C. Boyden Gray Deputy Chief of Mission, USEU--Mike McKinley The U.S. Mission to the EU is located at 15, rue Zinner, 1000 Brussels (tel. 02/508-2222, fax 02/514-4339). TRAVEL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION The U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Program advises Americans traveling and residing abroad through Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings. Consular Information Sheets exist for all countries and include information on entry and exit requirements, currency regulations, health conditions, safety and security, crime, political disturbances, and the addresses of the U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

Public Announcements are issued to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions overseas that pose significant risks to the security of American travelers. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid travel to a certain country because the situation is dangerous or unstable. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at , where the current Worldwide Caution , Public Announcements , and Travel Warnings can be found. Consular Affairs Publications , which contain information on obtaining passports and planning a safe trip abroad, are also available at . For additional information on international travel, see . The Department of State encourages all U.S citizens traveling or residing abroad to register via the State Department's travel registration website or at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency and will enable you to receive up-to-date information on security conditions. Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S.

and Canada or the regular toll line 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the U.S. and Canada. The National Passport Information Center (NPIC) is the U.S. Department of State's single, centralized public contact center for U.S. passport information. Telephone: 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778). Customer service representatives and operators for TDD/TTY are available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) and a web site at give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries. A booklet entitled "Health Information for International Travel" (HHS publication number CDC-95-8280) is available from the U.S.

Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, tel. (202) 512-1800. Further Electronic Information Department of State Web Site. Available on the Internet at , the Department of State web site provides timely, global access to official U.S. foreign policy information, including Background Notes and daily press briefings along with the directory of key officers of Foreign Service posts and more. The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides security information and regional news that impact U.S. companies working abroad through its website Export.gov provides a portal to all export-related assistance and market information offered by the federal government and provides trade leads, free export counseling, help with the export process, and more. STAT-USA/Internet , a service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, provides authoritative economic, business, and international trade information from the Federal government. The site includes current and historical trade-related releases, international market research, trade opportunities, and country analysis and provides access to the National Trade Data Bank . Revised: Apr.

2007 Divided Belgium has a new King Philippe - Telegraph Belgium Divided Belgium has a new King Philippe Belgium has a new King Philippe after his father Albert II abdicated following an emotional exhortation for his countrymen to "work tirelessly" to hold their divided country together. Follow It was a swearing in rather than a coronation, but as cannon roared in a 101-gun salute on Sunday Belgians celebrated the moment one king abdicated and another began his reign as the seventh monarch in their country’s 180-year history. During an emotional ceremony in the Royal Palace, King Albert II, 79, signed a formal act of abdication before his son, aged 53, was sworn in as King Philippe in all three of the divided country’s federal languages of Dutch, French and German. Dressed in full military uniform the new king pledged: “I swear to abide by the constitution and laws of the Belgian people, to maintain national independence and the integrity of the land.” As crowds of well wishers gathered outside in bright sunshine to celebrate their new head of state, King Philippe continued: “I begin my reign with the desire to put myself at the service of all Belgians.

I will work for it in perfect agreement with the government and in accordance with the constitution. “The wealth of our country and our institutional system lies particularly in the fact that our diversity is strength. Whenever we find a balance between unity and diversity, the strength of Belgium is precisely to give meaning to our diversity.” Related Articles Belgian king announces abdication 04 Jul 2013 King Philippe of Belgium kisses the hand of Queen Mathilde on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Brussels (Yves Herman/Reuters) The outgoing king, who was just three weeks from his 20th anniversary on the throne, stepped aside after five difficult years in which deep divisions between squabbling Flemish and Walloon political parties repeatedly pushed the country to the brink of break-up. At one point he was forced to play mediator between feuding politicians from the two communities for the 541 days it took for them to form a government - a world record though of dubious distinction - after the 2011 election. He has also faced royal scandals that have damaged the standing of the monarchy, including a current court case brought by an aristocratic artist who claims to be his illegitimate daughter.

He concluded his own reign with a exhortation to Belgians to “work tirelessly” to hold their divided country together. “You’ll be even more peacemakers, you’ll better defend the well-being of all, and our country will remain an inspiration for a Europe seeking unity in diversity,” he said, his voice trembling. After thanking mainstream politicians who held Belgium together after Flemish nationalists became the country’s biggest party in elections in 2010, Albert paid an emotional tribute to his wife. “Queen Paola, who constantly supported me in my work during these 20 years, I just want to say thank you and a big kiss,” he said. He also paid tribute to the new king, and to his daughter-in-law, now Queen Mathilde. “Philippe, you have all the qualities of heart and mind to serve our country. We have full confidence in you and your dear Mathilde. Your mother and I share the ardent wish of success in this task that you are well prepared for.” The new king's investiture was held on Belgium's national day, marking of the crowning of the first Belgian king, Leopold I, in 1831.

King Philippe is a trained fighter pilot and parachutist with degrees from Trinity College, Oxford and Stanford University. But he has been criticised for his awkward manner and his Dutch - Belgium’s majority language - is said to be wooden. As a result many Belgians believe his family will hold the key to a successful reign. Mathilde, a Flemish aristocrat with four children, is the first Belgian-born queen in the country’s history and is widely popular. Their daughter Princess Elisabeth, 11, will be the next in line to the throne due to a recent change to the country’s laws of succession which allows a first-born female to rule in her own right. "Dear Mathilde, for many years you have invested all your heart in many activities," said the new king. "You have an innate sense for human contact. With our dear children, we confidently begin this new chapter in our lives and our country," said the new king. Belgium is now only country in the world with three queens - Queen Mathilde, Queen Paola, who will retain her title, and Queen Fabiola, the elderly widow of King Baudouin, who preceded his nephew King Albert II.

In an appeal ahead of elections next year that are expected to bring big gains for republican Flemish separatists, the new king highlighted new federal reforms giving greater regional autonomy to Flanders in an appeal for national unity. "The new reform of the state makes a significant transfer of powers to the federated entities. This makes decisions closer to citizens. This will better meet the challenges of the future. The strength of Belgium also lies in its federated entities," he said. "Together let us give our country a new burst of enthusiasm. Long live Belgium." The former king is the first Belgian monarch to voluntarily relinquish his throne. His father Leopold III, was forced to abdicate in favour of Baudouin, in the aftermath of the Second World War, after controversially remaining as Belgian king under Nazi occupation. An indication of the challenge faced by King Philippe is the contrast between the many houses in French-speaking Wallonia and bourgeois Brussels draped in the national colours of black, yellow and red to celebrate yesterday’s events, and Flemish cities which have shown near indifference.

Bart De Wever, the mayor of Antwerp and the leader of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), the separatist and republican party that became the country’s largest in 2010, boycotted the royal ceremonies although his party sent a delgation of MPs. "We are full-blooded democrats and the purest form of democracy is the republic," said Jan Jambon, the N-VA's parliamentary leader. Signalling trouble ahead for the new king, Mr De Wever has demanded reforms to stop Philippe playing the same role as Albert, who wielded his considerable royal powers to deny the holding of new elections in 2011 and to broker the current Socialist-led coalition government. "There is no democratic control of the political function of the king. Because let's be honest, the king continues to play a political role," Mr De Wever wrote in an open letter to Philippe in May. "The idea that we need a fundamentally undemocratic institution such as the monarch to ensure political stability in this country, which I doubt, tells you more about this country than about the monarchy."

Question: Who is the current monarch of Belgium?
Answer: KING ALBERT II