2023-07-12 10:21:19
July 11 is traditionally the occasion to take the temperature of Flemish nationalism. Like every year, requests/requirements/willingness for state reforms are flourishing. It’s another tradition. Note, however, that the 2023 edition is the last before the mega-election next June. General trends.
Almost unanimous
Each in its own style, all the parties in the north of the country are calling for a new reform of the state, new powers for Flanders. Exceptions: Groen and the PVDA, the two smallest formations on the Flemish political spectrum.
This reform generally constitutes, for the parties, a condition sine qua nonto a possible participation in a federal coalition.
In the crosshairs now: employment and health care, in other words the heart of Social Security, one of the last federal institutional cements.
Confederalism, lack of independence
At the beginning, the flamingant recriminations were directed towards Belgium (that of “dad”), an intolerable straitjacket for Flemish cultural emancipation. Then as this Flanders took control of Belgium, the demands were directed towards the “Walloons” (political Flanders ignores the inhabitants of Brussels, minus Brussels, “its” capital, sheltering quite a few Flemings). These “Walloons” become the obstacle to the economic and institutional emancipation of Flanders, simply because they are attached to Belgium as it is. We (almost) hear that the labor shortage in Flanders is due… to Wallonia, like the environmental standards that are too strict for Flanders.
Of course, the chronic economic backwardness of Wallonia gives arguments to the Flemish autonomist cause. Compared to the European average, the Walloon GDP hardly changes.
So go for confederalism, not independence nuanced Minister-President Jan Jambon: ” we can dream of an independent Flanders, but if it’s not supported by people, it’s a bit stupid! “.
Its party president, who is pawing at finding himself at a new state reform table, abounds in the direction of confederalism. Bart De Wever sees a Belgium of two: ” the future of Brussels will be a future shared by the two communities. We will never let go of Brussels, which will have a sui generis status. “
The wish is therefore to abolish the Brussels region, to put it under guardianship, without of course asking the opinion of the main concerned: the people of Brussels.
To good hearer (francophone), … hello and food !
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#Flanders #Walloon #ball #Brussels
