 The political crisis surrounding Leopold III 's role during the occupation , and whether he could return to the throne , polarized Belgian public opinion in the years following the war between Catholics , notably in Flanders , who broadly supported his return , and Socialists , in Wallonia and Brussels , who were strongly opposed to it . After a general strike and an indecisive referendum , the king resigned in favour of his son , Baudouin , in 1950 . 
