Google – AFP, Claire Rosemberg (AFP), 4 July 2013
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King Albert
II of Belgium delivers a speech at the royal palace in
Brussels on July 3, 2013
(Belga/AFP, Eric Lalmand)
|
BRUSSELS,
Belgium — Belgium's King Albert II announced his abdication Wednesday in favour
of his son, saying that after two decades at the helm of the tiny country he
felt too old and frail to continue.
"I
intend to abdicate on July 21," Belgium's national day, the sovereign said
in a broadcast to the nation from the royal palace.
"After
29 years of reigning, I believe the time has come to pass the torch to the next
generation."
"Prince
Philippe is well prepared. He and Princess Mathilde have my entire
confidence," Albert said in the short speech, read first in French then in
Flemish, Belgium's two main languages.
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Belgium's
Crown Prince Philippe (R) and
Princess Mathilde in Stockholm, May 22, 2012
(AFP/File, Jonathan Nackstrand)
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There had
been consistent reports that the sovereign was preparing to abdicate in favour
of the 53-year-old crown prince. But many fear that Philippe, whom politicians
said would likely be crowned also on July 21, lacks the tact and know-how.
Prime
Minister Elio Di Rupo however said that the crown prince "has seriously
and with a sense of responsibility prepared himself for his new functions.
"He
can count on the government's support," said Di Rupo, flanked by the
cabinet and speaking minutes after the announcement.
Albert, who
turned 79 last month, has faced tough times this year.
Last month
a 45-year-old sculptor, Delphine Boel, went to court to win official
recognition as his natural daughter, not long after a financial scandal that
triggered a government decision to force the royal family to pay taxes on its
state allowances for the first time.
As the
second son of King Leopold III (1901-1983) and Astrid of Sweden (1905-1935),
Albert was never destined to reign but was forced to ascend to the throne in
1993 on the death of his older brother King Baudouin, who passed away without
an heir.
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A waves a
Belgian flag in front of the royal
palace at the Paleizenplein - Place des
Palais in Brussels, on July 3, 2013
(Belga/AFP, Laurie Dieffembacq)
|
A quiet,
self-effacing man, Albert played a key role in the political life of the small
language-divided nation, whose affluent Flemish north and more down-at-heels
French-speaking south are increasingly split.
In 2010 and
2011, he steered the country's fractious politicians towards a deal after
Belgium spent a world record-breaking 541 days without a government.
His
negotiating skills through the 18-month crisis, Belgium's bleakest recent
moments, were hailed by all bar the powerful Flemish N-VA separatist movement
that stands poised to make significant gains in elections next year.
Analysts
said the king wanted to give his heir time to make his mark before the
potentially dangerous 2014 polls.
"The
abdication will enable the future king to take on the mantle and to meet
political leaders ahead of the elections. Everyone fears a repeat of the
2010-2011 crisis," said political scientist Caroline Van Wynsberghe of
Brussels' ULB University.
 |
A bottle of
champagne and a note reading,
"Thank you for everything Sire, good
retirement" in Brussels, on July 3 2013
(Belga/AFP, Olivier Vin)
|
Philippe
has been increasingly in the public eye in the last months but some Belgians
remained concerned over the departure of Albert II.
"He
doesn't seem to have the energy or strength," Nathalie Clicteur, a 47-year-old
office worker, told AFP. But "the king is tired and has earned the right
to retire," she said.
Michel
Galand, a soldier aged 52, said he was not worried to see Philippe step onto
the throne. Though the crown prince seemed "a little awkward" in public
he was also "responsible and serious."
Six kings
from the house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha -- now known simply as the royal house of
Belgium -- have headed the constitutional monarchy since independence.
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