Belgium's PM Charles Michel Resigns After Facing Huge Backlash For Signing UN Migration Pact

Charles Michel, the Belgian prime minister, resigned on Tuesday night after his government collapsed in the face of virulent opposition to his signing of a UN migration pact from his erstwhile coalition partners.

Mr Michel lost the support of the Flemish nationalist N-VA, the largest party in his coalition, over the non-binding UN agreement, which opponents had claimed would open the door to greater migration.

Belgium is now bracing itself for a snap election as early as next month after Mr Michel said he was going to the king to offer his resignation amid demands for a motion of no confidence in his now minority government.

He had refused to submit to such a vote or the calls from some in the assembly for an early election. A snap poll, he said, would only lead to "stagnation for the whole of 2019". The next election is due in Belgium in May.

Instead, Mr Michel announced: "I am taking the decision to offer my resignation. I am now going to see the king."

Amid applause from parlamentarians, he picked up his briefcase, shook the hands of a number of government ministers, and left.

Charles Michel, Belgium's PM, has told parliament that he will resign after no confidence vote

The biggest party in Michel's coalition, the Flemish N-VA, quit over the signing the U.N. migration pact

Thank you to proud nationalists of #Belgium

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— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) December 18, 2018