Belgian Big Bang???

[Videoskooter]

I know that the whole board is following the Belgian events very closely with da fingers crossed but I don't have very good news:

Belgium's pitiful politics | Economist.com

Belgium’s government | Leterme’s limits | Economist.com

Maybe this site will help, where they ask the Belgian women to show their boobs and save the country (yes, seriously!)

BOOBS FOR BELGIUM

If not, we'll have to start rehearsing this:

[Bernie]

So, it's always the French causing the trouble

From reading the article it seems as if Belgium's King will probably ask Leterme to stay on and work things out, which seems like a wise thing to do.

I just don't understand how the dual (triple-if you add German) language and identity thing stood so long and can work. It's doomed to failure I feel. Albeit more serious, Belgium's scenario is almost like Canada's French/English language snafu I guess, but I'm sure Graham can chime in on that.

Let's hope your countrymen can compromise and work it all out.

[Videoskooter]

King Albert has installed a council consisting of 3 elderly statesmen who have to find out if there's still a chance for a compromise. They have to report by 31st of July. Meanwhile Leterme stays on with limited powers.

The aim is to come to a confederation of 2 states, Flanders and Wallonia with two districts, Brussels and the East-Cantons (German-speaking).

If that is possible Belgium still exists and will be politically organised like Germany and Switzerland. A federal government with limited power (Defense,...?) and the the regional governments with full power.

If that is not possible the Walloons will unite with Brussels and will form Wallobrux. The name sucks and the idea also bums!?

But, to be honest, things are getting worse every day now and nobody knows a decent solution. There could be new elections but they would be illegal as there's not a legal solution for the mixed district of B(russels)-H(alle)-V(ilvoorde). That district is on Flemish territory but has a lot of French-speaking habitants.

New elections could also spark a major boost for the Flemish nationalist parties Vlaams Belang (Flemish interest, right extremist), NVA (New Flemish Alliance, rightwing) and Lijst Dedecker (List Dedecker, ultra-liberal which in our country means very rightwing).

The Walloons are now accusing the Flemish of being fascists with no respect for the minority of French-speaking population and they are campaigning that way worldwide. The truth however is that since the birth of Belgium in 1830 the majority of the population is Flemish and was bashed all those years by the French speaking part who think that their language and culture is superior.

BTW, Belgium has almost 11 million inhabitants and we have 60(!) Ministers (secretary of state).

So it's the choice between:



or



And let me out myself: Ik kies voor, Je vote pour, Ich wähle für, I vote for >

[Bernie]

Johan,

I enjoyed that last video. Belgium looks beautiful... old and new architecture, history, tourism... Seriously, it looks like a great place to be. My lady and I need to fly over there before it's too late. Save a spot in the bumper cars for us.