Belgian PM seeks federal election on June 10

BRUSSELS, Jan 17 (Reuters) Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt called today for a federal election on June 10, the same date as the first round of parliamentary elections in neighbouring France.

Verhofstadt said in a statement issued by his office that he would seek cabinet approval of the date at a meeting on Friday.

An election had to take place on or before June 24.

Verhofstadt, who heads a coalition government of liberals and socialists, added that he expected the government to announce a budget in March showing balance for the eighth consecutive year.

''More than that, we will book a surplus of 900 million euros for 0.3 percent of GDP,'' the prime minister said.

REUTERS MS ND1810