29 Oct '19

New prime minister for Belgium as Charles Michel steps down

Summary

Michel party colleague Sophie Wilmès will lead the country until a new federal government forms

 

First woman in the job

Sophie Wilmès (MR) is Belgium’s first female head of government following her appointment as prime minister by King Filip at the royal palace on Sunday. She replaces party colleague Charles Michel, who has stepped down to prepare for his new job as president of the European Council.

Wilmès (pictured), selected for the top job by the current caretaker government, was federal budget minister, a job that will now be taken on by party colleague David Clarinval.

Belgium is in the midst of forming a new federal government following the elections in May. A caretaker government has been in place since N-VA quit the ruling coalition late last year.

 “It’s a situation that cannot go on much longer,” Wilmès said on Monday. “It’s in Belgium’s  interest to have a full government that has the capacity to take the necessary measures very soon.”

Michel, meanwhile, becomes president of the European Council on 1 December.

Photo: Benoit Doppagne/BELGA

Now read this

Related articles