Belgium's King Albert has named the Christian Democrat politician Yves Leterme as prime minister. Mr Leterme succeeds Herman van Rompuy, who was recently appointed as president of the European Union.

This is the fourth change of government in Belgium in a two year period. Mr Leterme previously served as prime minister but was forced to resign last year after he was accused of interfering with the breaking up of the Fortis banking and insurance group. After an investigative committee cleared him of any wrongdoing, Mr Leterme was appointed foreign minister.