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Belgium Transportation Minister Resigns After Airport Security Criticized


Belgian Minister of Mobility Jacqueline Galant speaks during a press conference, in Brussels on April 15, 2016.
Belgian Minister of Mobility Jacqueline Galant speaks during a press conference, in Brussels on April 15, 2016.

Belgium Transportation Minister Jacqueline Galant resigned Friday after being accused of ignoring scathing EU reports on lapses in security at the country's airports.

Galant became the subject of sharp criticism after a secret European Union report on the deplorable security conditions at Belgium's airports was leaked to the media following the March 22 bombings that killed 32 people, including 16 at the national airport and a subway. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Galant denied she was ever made aware of reports that said oversight of security measures at the nation's airports was flawed and that cited serious deficiencies in the way safety checks are managed. But a top official said he had clearly notified the transportation minister and her office of the matter.

Prime Minister Charles Michel said after discussions with Galant that "the minister presented her resignation to the King and the King accepted it."

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