The political thermometer is rising in Belgium with the Flemish far-right separatist party picking the hottest day of the year to reveal their roadmap to Flemish independence.
With the Vlaams Belang party historically getting the cold shoulder from potential coalition partners, its members are hoping to capitalise on positive polling results and secure a majority in next year's elections. If successful, this could see them drive Belgium towards a confederal country, in which individual regions would have autonomy and no longer be subordinate to the overarching Federal Government.
It is certainly becoming harder to just ignore the far right, whose policies have historically veered towards the extreme with only half-hearted efforts to stay within the boundaries of politically correct. Whilst Belgium's administrative establishment has previously joined ranks in muscling Vlaams Belang onto the sidelines, Flanders is now governed by the slightly-less-right N-VA who themselves have received the same antipathy.
Were the two to form an alliance it is quite plausible that negotiations to split Belgium might be initiated in earnest. But whilst far-right proponents present it as being a straightforward separation culminating in a clear divorce treaty (how many times have we heard that of late?), Belgium's notoriously complex regional structure would make for practical headaches if Vlaams Belang had its way.
Notably, the party suggested that Brussels – a region of its own and nominally francophone – would be absorbed into Flanders. The chances of the hard-right party pulling this off are inconceivable for a city so multi-ethnic and tending towards cultural and social progressivism rather than conservatism. A Vlaams Belang rally in Brussels last month was met with indignation from many city residents, with a crowd mobilised in protest.
Despite the reservations and no doubt strident opposition outside Flanders, the chances of keeping Vlaams Belang in its box are looking slim after a large survey published Monday showed the level of public disapproval for the current Federal Government, headed by Alexander De Croo. Three-quarters of Belgians voiced dissatisfaction with the coalition, which they hope will not return to power after next year's elections.
Who will take their place however is a question that will grow ever more burning as the contest ramps up. Feeling the heat?
Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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