Belgium’s King Albert II announces his abdication in favor of his son Crown Prince Philippe during a televised address to the nation on July 3, 2013.
Belgium’s king Albert II has announced that he will abdicate in favor of his son Crown Prince Philippe because he felt too old and frail to continue.
“I intend to abdicate on July 21,” Belgium’s national day, the king said in a broadcast to the nation from the royal palace on Wednesday.
“After 29 years of reigning, I believe the time has come to pass the torch to the next generation,” he said in his short speech, read in Belgium’s two main languages of French and Flemish.
“My age and my health do not allow me to exercise my duties as I would like,” the 79-year-old sovereign explained.
Many fear that Philippe lacks the tact and expertise to lead the country.
But King Albert II said the 53-year-old crown prince was well prepared to take over the helm.
Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo also gave the governmentâ„¢s full support to Philippe, who he said “has seriously and with a sense of responsibility prepared himself for his new functions.”
“He can count on the government’s support,” Di Rupo said minutes after the abdication announcement.
Belgian television and news media reported that the king had informed the countryâ„¢s government of his decision.
Belgium has had six kings since its inception, and King Albert will be the first to abdicate.
The country has seen great unrest in recent years, as the mainly Dutch-speaking north seeks autonomy from the French-speaking south.
MRS/AS
Republished with permission from: Press TV