Sure, let’s dive into the delightful world of Belgian politics, shall we? I mean, if laughter is the best medicine, then reading about bureaucratic reform should be the equivalent of a multi-vitamin, right? Let’s give it a go!
—
Reforming the Bureaucracy: N-VA‘s Recipe for a Political Hot Pot
So, the N-VA have cooked up a little something in the backrooms of Belgian politics that sounds like a mix between a college essay and a game of bureaucratic Twister. I can just picture Bart De Wever nervously walking in, holding a 74-point manifesto like it’s an IKEA assembly guide—because you know half of it won’t make sense until you’re knee-deep in it. “Hmm, why do I have an extra screw? Oh wait, it’s for the convictional signs!”
What’s on the Menu?
Now, according to our good pals David and Michel, this little working note is all about reforming the administration, public enterprises, and federal institutions. It’s like a political spring cleaning, or rather a complete house overhaul where the N-VA are playing the role of the slightly mad but well-meaning homeowner. They’ve decided things need a good scrub, and who better to do it than a party that sounds like they have their own theme park in mind? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to “N-VA World,” where every corner could do with a regionalization and every cabinet meeting is a reality show in the making!
Key Changes? Statutory Employment is Out!
The first big scoop is the end of statutory employment. This is like a nightmare for civil servants. They’re probably thinking, “Oh great, just when I was getting comfortable in my cubicle, now I’m about to be flung into the chaotic world of temp jobs!” If only their job security came with a side of fun and games. But wait—it gets spicier! They’re also banning “convictional signs”. Convictional signs sound like something you’d find on an old roadmap or a dubious tarot card reading. “The signs of conviction guide you… to absolutely nowhere,” says the fortune-teller with a sigh.
Regionalization: The Great Belgian Divide!
And then, there’s the juicy topic of regionalization, which, let’s be honest, is like watching a family feud unfold in slow motion. You can almost envision the regional heads fighting over who gets to keep the last piece of cake, only this cake is slices of federal structure. “No, I want Science Policy!” “But we need it to balance our student-to-professor ratio! Give me that pie, or I’ll start a new political party called ‘Science & Sweets’!”
The Arizona Coalition: Not Just for Vacationers
Now, let’s go back to our Arizona coalition. The seven dwarfs of politics—N-VA, MR, Les Engagés, Vooruit, CD&V—gathering together like a bunch of kids debating who gets to choose the movie. “I want action!” “No, I prefer drama!” “Can’t we just have a nice documentary about bureaucracy?” What could possibly go wrong when everyone’s agreeing on a document with 74 points? Anyone with a little background in negotiation knows that’s practically a ticking time bomb wrapped in red tape!
Final Thoughts: Just Strap In!
So, as these stalwarts of Belgian politics gather to sift through their manifesto of madness, we can all sit back and watch the circus unfold. I’d suggest grabbing your popcorn, folks! With the Arizona coalition getting back into their political groove, and Bart De Wever preparing to fill us in at the Palace, I feel like I’m about to witness the most confusing yet entertaining episode of “Keeping Up with the Politicians.”
Will the reforms stick? Will there be more use of convictional signs, or will they go the way of the dodo bird? Only time—and maybe another 74-point agenda—will tell!
—
And there we have it! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the next meeting doesn’t require a PhD in Administrative Reform just to understand the fine print!
We were able to read an N-VA working note devoted to the reform of the administration, public enterprises and federal institutions: end of statutory employment, ban on convictional signs, regionalization of a series of federal structures, including Science Policy. Enough to relaunch the debate between partners. Very hot in front… Article reserved for subscribers By David Coppi, Michel De Muelenaere Published on 10/17/2024 at 06:00 Reading time: 6 min
The five partners of the Arizona coalition in the making (N-VA, MR, Les Engagés, Vooruit, CD&V) met on Wednesday for the first time after the long “municipal elections” parenthesis, Bart De Wever, trainer, is expected this Thursday at the Palace for a new interim report… We do not know if he will report to the King this working note entitled “Administrative matters, public enterprises and federal institutions” which we were able to read, very recent, written by the service of studies of the N-VA, and now submitted, by the trainer, to the presidents of Arizona. A note provided, designed in its form as a sort of government pre-agreement, in 74 points, of which here is the essential, in three parts…
1
This article is reserved for subscribers
Access verified and deciphered national and international information €1/week for 4 weeks (no commitment)
With this offer, take advantage of:
- Unlimited access to all articles, files and editorial reports
- The newspaper in digital version (PDF)
- Reading comfort with limited advertising
