Sophie Wilmes: Belgian foreign minister resigns to care for sick husband

Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès says she will temporarily step down to care for her husband, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Ms Wilmès, who also serves as deputy prime minister, will take leave until "the end of the summer", when her family will reassess the situation.

She says she made the move "in perfect consultation with the prime minister".

In a statement, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Ms Wilmès's choice "commands the greatest respect".

Mr De Croo added that the minister would not officially resign from government and that her powers would, instead, be temporarily transferred to other ministers by "a royal decree". read more