BELGIAN Prime Minister Charles Michel submitted his resignation Tuesday amid pressure on his government after the biggest coalition party quit over Michel’s support for a United Nations compact on international migration.

“I am taking the decision to offer my resignation. I am now going to see the king” to inform him,” Michel told Belgian lawmakers.

Before the prime minister gave his notice, lawmakers had been demanding he submit his new minority government to a confidence vote. But Michel refused, and a confrontation this week seemed likely.

Michel tried to convince the Chamber of Representatives of the reshaped government’s plans and said he would be ready to work with the opposition, but his overtures were rejected. His 2019 budget was among the sensitive topics up for debate.

Some in the assembly pushed for an election to be held before the regularly scheduled one in May. Michel again refused, saying it would only lead to “stagnation for the whole of 2019.” After a short break for reflection, he announced he was resigning instead. (SD-Agencies)