First woman PM for Belgium
Sophie Wilmès has become the first woman prime minister of Belgium.
Belgium’s King Philippe named Sophie Wilmes as the interim prime minister on Sunday, creating history.
The Liberal Francophone politician replaces caretaker Prime Minister Charles Michel, who will take over as European Council president in December.
Wilmes, 44, takes up the role without a parliamentary majority. She and Michel belong to the French-speaking liberal-centrist MR party.
Belgium has not had a full federal government since a coalition led by Michel collapsed in December 2018.
A new coalition government has not emerged since elections in May.
Talks between the French-speaking socialist PS party and the Flemish nationalist N-VA party have stalled. They need to reach an agreement in order to bring in other parties to form a government.
But till then, the country can celebrate one step towards modern feminism.
Fun Fact
The word “spa”, that’s being used to talk about places to relax and get wellness treatments, comes from the Belgian city Spa. What’s more, Belgium is the country with most castles per square kilometer in the world.
Location
Rate Now