Brussels - Belgian Vice Prime Minister Yves Leterme, who is set to become premier next month, has been hospitalized and is to remain there for several days, the Belga news agency reported Friday. Leterme was suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding, his spokesman told the agency.
He was taken to hospital late Wednesday while suffering from the flu.
Fellow Christian Democrat Jo Vandeurzen, the justice minister, is to take over Leterme's duties temporarily, including compiling the 2008 budget.
Leterme scored a surprise victory in parliamentary elections June 10 and was tasked by the king with forming a government. However, coalition talks repeatedly foundered over disputes between French and Dutch speakers.
Defeated premier Guy Verhofstadt was appointed to head an interim government. He was expected to step down on March 23 and hand over power to Leterme.
