For a few months now, Belgian political stability has experienced some turbulence. Last week, Prime Minister Yves Leterme submitted his resignation to Albert II, the King of the Belgians. The latter refused it. The head of the Belgian federal government had thrown in the towel due to his inability to unite Flemish and French-speaking people around a project for state reform aiming to grant more autonomy to Flanders.
Words must always be measured, and the meaning one intends to convey is of utmost importance. It was in such a crisis situation that the Belgians celebrated their National Day on Monday, July 21. In Nice, the commemorations took place in the presence of the Consul Luc de Lobel, the Deputy Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi, his deputies Rudy Salles and Eric Ciotti, who are also deputies, the sub-prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, representatives of the Franco-Belgian association, and tourists from the other side of the Quiévrain border holidaying on the Côte d’Azur. Traditional tributes were paid in honor of the Belgians who died for peace, and also in honor of Albert I, King of the Belgians from 1909 to 1934, who had warned the Allies during the Treaty of Versailles after the First World War about the potential conflicts that humiliating sanctions against Germany could cause.
“It would not be correct not to say a word about the problems in Belgium and to try to ignore the issue. It is a difficult problem, impossible to explain. The two communities will eventually find a new balance. Tolerance and understanding are two qualities of our country that are a model and that make our reputation beyond our borders.” The announcement by Consul Luc de Lobel is diplomatic and optimistic. He is playing his part. Christian Estrosi also plays his role: “I would not interfere in Belgium’s internal politics. We simply aspire to reaffirm our desire to strengthen the unity of Belgium. Belgium has had a considerable historical role in turning our former enemies into today’s friends. We must build peace in the Mediterranean, and Belgium has a significant role to play.”
Not far away, the Dannels couple, who have been vacationing in Nice for 27 years, are skeptical of the situation in Belgium. Roger, a retiree and former war volunteer, is pessimistic and prefers to avoid talking about it as a taboo subject, instead discussing his holiday, the water temperature in the North Sea: “We are here until Sunday. We have friends here and have been coming for 27 years. We celebrate both national holidays, July 14 and July 21.” To the question: How can Belgium regain stability? The response is a grimace, contrasting with the official speeches.
