New Belgian government sworn in

New Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and members of his government were sworn in by King Philippe at a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Brussels Saturday.

"I pledge allegiance to the king, obedience to the constitution and the laws of the Belgian people" is the oath that the ministers take before the King, and is repeated in front of the press.

Earlier in the day, King Philippe accepted the resignation of outgoing prime minister Elio Di Rupo and appointed Charles Michel as his successor, Xinhua reported.

The new prime minister then presented to the king the names of his ministers and secretaries of state.

The new government, which is made up of a coalition of three Flemish-speaking parties and one French-speaking party, consists of 14 ministers and four secretaries of state.

The prime minister and six ministers belong to the French-speaking MR party, with three ministries and two secretaries of state coming from the N-VA, and two ministries and secretary of state each for the Open VLD and CD&V.

Each party in the new coalition has a portfolio of deputy prime minister.