Half of Belgians in favour of Albert II’s abdication

Belgians are increasingly in favour of King Albert II abdicating, according to an opinion poll conducted by Ipsos, Le Soir and RTL. The results, published today in Le Soir, reveal that 46% are favourable to the king’s abdication, though the figures vary according to region. In Brussels, 66% of respondents are against Albert’s abdication; 53% of Belgians think Prince Philippe would make a good king. In Flanders, where in 2007 he had a popularity rating of 33%, Philippe is seen in a good light by 48% of respondents. In a 2010 poll, only 30% wanted the king to abdicate. In 2003, 77% were against abdication. Albert turns 80 in 2014 and could follow in the footsteps of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, who will hand over the reins to crown prince Willem-Alexander on April 30.