Sophie Wilmes’ wife, Christopher Stone, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor in April.
Announcing his temporary resignation, Wilmes announced his final decision to the public last night.
Wilmes said, “My wife’s illness requires a tough battle. I want to support my wife and children during this process, but my current duties in the government do not allow me to do this.”
“We’re behind you in your battle with Christopher,” De Croo called out to Wilmes in a Twitter message.
Wilmes, of the Liberal Reform Movement Party, will remain a member of parliament until the elections.
BELGIUM’S FIRST WOMAN PRIME MINISTER
Sophie Wilmes has been an influential figure in Belgian politics since 2015. Wilmes, who headed the minority government from October 2019 to September 2020 after the Ministry of Finance, became Belgium’s first female prime minister.
Wilmes was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and Federal Cultural Institutions in the coalition government established in October 2020.
Wilmes and his Australian businessman wife Christopher Stone have four children.
ALGERIA JOURNALIST MINISTER INSTEAD OF WİLMES
Hadja Lahbib, a 52-year-old journalist from an Algerian family, was appointed as foreign minister, vacated by Sophie Wilmes.
Born in Belgium on June 21, 1970 to an immigrant family, Lahbib studied journalism at the Free University of Brussels.
Also producing and directing documentaries, Lahbib served as a news presenter on the French-language state television RTBF for a long time.
Lahbib, who is an Afghanistan and Middle East expert, also served as a special envoy for a while.