Sophie Wilmès served as interim prime minister from 2019 to 2020 while negations form a new coalition government was ongoing. Photo: European Union

Sophie Wilmès served as interim prime minister from 2019 to 2020 while negations form a new coalition government was ongoing. Photo: European Union

Belgian foreign affairs and vice-prime minister Sophie Wilmès has stepped down to take care of her husband, suffering from brain cancer. She will be replaced by former journalist Hadja Lahbib.

Wilmès already took a temporary break in April to support her husband and on 14 July she made the decision to officially resign. She served as interim prime minister from 2019 to 2020 while negations form a new coalition government was ongoing.

“My husband's illness will be a difficult battle that I want to fight alongside him and alongside our children," said Wilmes. "My current duties in government would not allow me to do so."

Belgium’s new foreign affairs minister has already been selected by Wilmès’ party the Reformist Movement. Former news anchor at RTBF Hadja Lhabib will take over as foreign minister. The Reformist Party’s decision to appoint Lhabib comes as a surprise considering her lack of experience in politics.

“I have no political experience, but I know the area. I was in the field [while working at RTBF]. Maybe now is the time to change something in politics,” said Lhabib.