- First of all, Leterme, the guy who won the elections in June 2007 (and who is now going for the position of prime minister), is a complete Moron (with a capital M).
(Stien: but I guess you americans know about morons in politics, whehehe).
I, Andi, said, before the elections, that I didn't want him to win. I practically prayed he wouldn't win. Not my luck, I guess, because in the news on television, everyone was soon saying he would become our new prime minister. Gah, why do they never listen to me, eh? - So now, Leterme had to "lead" our country, *snort*. You just cannot believe how many times he screwed up, from July 'till now.
- (see map above) You have, let's say, 3 main parts in Belgium: the Flemish part (that's us), the French part, and Brussels. We, the Flemish, are the upper, red, part. Brussels is that tiny blue spot, and the french speaking people are in the light green area. The dark green area are the german speaking people. Now there's a conflict between the french and flemish. It's very complicated, and even we don't know all there is to it. But now there are some flemish guys who want to separate the two halfs.
- Before the elections, we had what we called a purple government (that means: the red socialists + the blue liberals). With the elections, it showed that the people wanted it different. The flemish mainly chose for Leterme's orange party (which wants a reformation of the state very much), the french speaking people chose for their blue, liberal party (which doesn't want a reformation). That means, simply put, conflict!
- It was Leterme's job to guide everything. To search for compromises. He blew it. The king called him back.
- Leterme got back, after some other people tried to get the flemish and french speaking again.
- The main conflict is actually BHV. Or, Brussel-Halle-Vilvoorde. Halle-Vilvoorde is an area around Brussels. Basically, it's located on flemish ground. But because of the bilangual statute of Brussels, frenchspeaking politicians can also be chosen in that area. And just that fact is a pain in the ass for some flemish politicians. So, where it all comes down to, is that the Flemish want to separate Brussel-Halle-Vilvoorde, and the French don't.
- It was Leterme's job to search for a compromise. He blew it, again.
- The Flemish politicians threatened to vote for a seperation of BHV, without the French, if the French wouldn't cooperate and/or search for a compromise. The French said: "If they are really going to vote for a separation, we pull the plug from the negotiations."
- Yesterday, the Flemish politicians actually voted. Before the voting took place, all the French politicians left the room to show their protest.
- That's not all of it. Now, the French can still stop the whole separation by pulling all kinds of tricks in the parliament. That means, at least for 60 days now, the separation of BHV is put aside. 60 Days, untill the whole matter is brought to parliament.
- The king spoke with Leterme today. The king wants Leterme to form a government, and quick. But, let's be honest... who's he kiddin'? Leterme is a ninny.
- And in the end, who was right? Yep, me. I am so glad I didn't vote for Leterme. What a freakshow!
We tried to explain everything as clear as possible. I hope we made the situation here in Belgium a bit clear ;-)
Love!
Andi & Stien
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
8 comments:
And we thought American politics were complicated?
Smiles,
Holly
I can relate to the political frustration. I'm from Montreal, Quebec where the Separatists wanted to separate from Canada but keep all the goodies like currency etc. And don't get me started on language laws in Quebec. Crazy making stuff.
Thanks for stopping by!
(btw - love the name of your blog LOL)
wow serious business and serious rant too
Ok, and that is why I try to stay out of politics as much as possible
Holly, yep, politics are complicated in general, I guess :-P
Veronica, seems to me that Canada is much like Belgium then. Wow. So far and yet so close ;-)
Joy, hehehe, who doesn't love to rant from time to time?
Lisa, yeah, here the same. But this "crisis" here in Belgium is the talk of the day (uhm, make that days/weeks/months).
Really, everywhere you go, you hear people talking about it. It's that bad...
*Andi* :D
Whooo!! I love politics! To be honest, this is the first I've heard of Belguim politics. It does sound a lot like things here: one group wants change, the other doesn't and if they'd all just listen to MEMEMEMEME Me, we'd all be much happier. Well, at least I'd be much happier ;-) I hope we get to learn more about this, will you post updates?
Hi Frigga ;-)
I have found something for you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Belgian_government_formation
It's a link where you can find everything about the formation. And, I guess, better explained than we did ;-)
But sure, yeah, we will keep you up to date. If anything happens, we'll post it.
Enjoy! ;-)
I've been talking to people about this. I'm feeling very smug and smart b/c I've got the inside scoop ;)
Post a Comment