Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon (N-VA) caused controversy across Belgium after congratulating two national cyclists who both won an Olympic medal in Paris last weekend, by calling them "Flemish" medals.
Remco Evenepoel won the gold medal in the individual cycling time trial, and Wout Van Aert won bronze in the same race. The two Belgian cyclists received widespread praise via social media, including from Flemish nationalist Jambon. However, rather than join in the national joy, he chose to focus on the athletes' Flemish backgrounds.
"The first Flemish medals at the Olympics are in! Congratulations Remco and Wout," he said on social media.
De eerste Vlaamse medailles op de Olympische Spelen zijn binnen! Proficiat Remco en Wout! 👏🤞
— Jan Jambon (@JanJambon) July 27, 2024
People took issue with his use of the word "Flemish" to describe the cyclists as it disregards the fact that Flanders is a part of Belgium – even if N-VA would prefer to see the region become independent.
Jambon's message led to a host of critical reactions, with many calling his statement "childish" and or even "outrageous." In fact, Patrick Lefevere, the manager of Remco Evenepoel's team Soudal Quick-step, was quick to point out that Evenepoel did not receive a single euro in subsidies from Flanders.
Narrow-minded mindset
A social media user commented: "Why would you be ridiculous at times like this? The two fantastic cyclists represent a country: Belgium. Why always this narrow-minded regional mindset." Another pointed out that it was apparently too difficult for Jambon to get "the horrible word Belgium" past his lips.
Others stressed that Flanders was not a country and the medals were Belgian, while some were quick to remark that "fortunately, all Belgians can join the celebrations."
Among Francophone Belgians, the Flemish nationalist's statement was taken particularly badly, considering the fact that N-VA is vying for the position of Prime Minister of Belgium and Jambon is expected to be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister once the Federal Government is formed.
