Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt has unveiled a new interim government, ending over six months of political paralysis.
The new emergency government, which Mr Verhofstadt said will last no more than three months, will deal with the growing pile of urgent business that has accrued since a general election on 10 June
Feuding between parties from Belgium's Flanders and Wallonia regions was Mr Verhofstadt's priority as he outlined the goals of the interim cabinet, which he said would not serve beyond 23 March.
'Since the creation of our country we have always managed to resolve conflicts... without bloodshed, permanent scars or malice,' Mr Verhofstadt said in parliament, after he and his cabinet were formally sworn in by King Albert II.
He called for an end to the 'mutual distrust' which has plagued the government's political system.
His short-term political programme included tackling the economy's problems plus a 'comprehensive debate' on the Belgian institutions.
Belgium's main political parties have struggled unsuccessfully since the June general election to form a definitive government amid deep divisions over power-sharing.
The main sticking point is the devolution of federal powers to the regions.
Parties in Flanders are keen on assuming more powers while those in the poorer French-speaking southern region of Wallonia fear both political and economic losses.
There is even increasing chatter about the possibility of the country splitting along its linguistic faultline.
