Belgium's political structure is a complex affair. If you were to design a system of governance from scratch it's unlikely you'd decide on an organisation quite so convoluted with powers devolved between regions and others under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
The present configuration is undeniably intricate, confusing, and outright irritating in some cases. A survey of Belgian citizens now reveals that for many it is also failing, with four in ten indicating a preference for concentrating power in the hands of a single leader or party.
This would definitely be a change from today's system that results in coalitions such as the Vivaldi government – so named to reflect the spectrum of political voices it comprises. Belgium is notorious for going almost two years without a government. Would the country be in a better place if we had a system akin to the French or US presidency?
Looking at the state of affairs elsewhere probably gives more cause to pause than proffer an immediate improvement. What may be better in one respect will likely provoke concerns in another.
And who is ever really happy with their politicians? The essence of democracy is compromise – finding a middle ground that will inevitably fall short of some people's desires and go beyond the wishes of others. It is by nature an imperfect arrangement but one that comes closest to accommodating a diversity of demands.
Belgium is an unusual patchwork of cultural and social groups that converge and clash depending on where you draw the line. That's not to say that things couldn't be better, rather to caution against sudden structural overhauls.
Are you dissatisfied with the current state of affairs? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. New rail strike planned for 29 November
The “Common Front of Railway Workers” union has filed a strike notice for 29 November, it announced on Tuesday morning. The group of three railway unions will strike over “insufficient investment” by the Federal Government into the railway network following its latest budgetary talks. Read more.
2. Belgians increasingly favour putting power in one leader
More than half of Belgian citizens believe that the current political system should be changed, with four in ten people stating that putting political power in the hands of one person could improve how national affairs are managed. Read more.
3. Mechelen gives €100 vouchers to first 900 tourists staying this winter
The city of Mechelen is handing out vouchers worth €100 to the first 900 tourists who book at least two nights in any of the city's hotels this winter. Read more.
4. Got milk? Belgian production continues to fall
Last year, Belgian dairies produced over 1.6 million tonnes of fresh dairy products, down 0.6% from the year before, according to data from Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics agency. Notably, there was a significant decline in the production of drinking milk. Read more.
5. Belgium's deficit next year €1.7 billion higher than previously predicted
Belgium's budget deficit next year is expected to be €1.7 billion larger than previously predicted, owing to a failure by the Federal Government to correctly assimilate the effects of a permanent reduction in the VAT energy rate into its economic models. Read more.
6. Belgium still underperforming with climate policy
After falling nine places last year, Belgium has moved up 10 to 39th in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), a ranking of countries based on performance in the fight against climate change, placing it far below its neighbouring countries. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Books and Brunch
Tabitha Ackaert and Jos Deroo have created a cool second-hand bookstore away from the crowded city centre of Bruges. Read more.
