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The Federal Deputy Prime Minister Yves Leterme (Christian democrat) is undergoing tests at Leuven University Hospital. According to Mr Leterme’s office, the Christian democrat politician has been feeling off colour for some time.
He became ill during a visit to an exhibition in Brussels on Wednesday evening.
Earlier he had dined with his ministerial colleagues at a Greek restaurant.
He visited his local hospital in the West Flemish town of Ieper on Thursday morning. He was then transported by helicopter to Leuven University Hospital (Flemish Brabant).
It is believed that Mr Leterme is suffering from hepatitis. However, this has been firmly denied by a spokesman for the Deputy Prime Minister.
Mr Leterme was due to answer questions in parliament on Thursday afternoon. A fellow minister will stand in for him.
It is not yet clear how long Mr Leterme will be out of action.
His illness couldn’t have come at a worse time with negotiations on both this year’s federal budget and constitutional reform having entered a crucial stage.
flandersnews.be