Brussels  - The scandal over the sale of Belgium's troubled Fortis bank prompted Prime Minister Yves Leterme to propose the entire government resign Friday, the Belga news agency said.

The proposal came after Leterme called a crisis session of ministers following the resignation of Justice Minister Jo Vandeuzen, who also acts as Belgium's minister for institutional reform.

The latest moves followed accusations that the government had tried to influence a December 12 court ruling over the sale of Fortis to BNP Paribas.

Leterme has denied that his office tried to influence the judges' decision, but has admitted that one of his aides did contact judges prior to the ruling. (dpa)