Belgium in turmoil as coalition talks collapse
Belgium's political crisis has taken a new turn with the resignation of the prime minister-in-waiting. Yves Leterme quit after failing to win coalition partners for his Flemish Christian Democrats. The party made big gains in June's general election. But negotiations with other parties have floundered on cultural and linguistic differences. Flemish-speaking politicians from Flanders wanted to devolve more power to the region, something Francophones in Wallonia stongly oppose. After two months of negotiations, the Francophones still would not accept Leterme's reform plans. Flemish separatists waved banners as Leterme went to the King to tender his resignation, adding to speculation the move could give momentum to those pushing for secession.
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