Pascal Smet out until January with severe pneumonia

Brussels mobility minister Pascal Smet is still in the hospital recovering from a very severe case of pneumonia which nearly cost him his life, writes Bruzz. The minister intends to return to his post after the Christmas holidays. Smet is replaced in parliament during his absence by his colleague Guy Vanhengel.

The minister meanwhile posted an update on his condition to his Facebook page, explaining that his illness was life threatening: "I've been very lucky,” he wrote. “My life hung by a thread."

Smet's entire right lung was infected with pneumonia and pleural effusion, but he is now on the mend.