Belgium’s political vacuum to end as ‘real’ coalition talks begin

BELGIUM’S politicians were getting down to the business of trying to form a government last night, ending a world record-breaking spell in a political vacuum.

It will still take time, but talks have cleared the biggest hurdle to forming an administration and ending paralysis which began after a general election in June last year.

Elio Di Rupo, tipped to be the next prime minister, emerged after midnight to declare the way was clear for “real” coalition talks to begin.