Les Belges, quel source d'inspiration!

Voici un petit texte en anglais de ma composition, une fois n'est pas coutume!

The Belgian political crisis: when historical hatreds destroy a country:

The Facts:

 

Belgium is a country of 10.5 million inhabitants. There are 2 countries, with two different cultures, languages, and ways of thinking. At June, the 10th 2007, they have to elect a new federal government. The CD&V, the right-wing Flemish party associated to the Nationalistic Flemish Party win the polls. The leader of this coalition becomes the new Prime Minister. But even though this victory, the Belgian government is very unstable. There were a few months to constitute the government, and Mr Leterme has already resigned 3 times. (The last time was in July 2008)

 

This crisis has an origin a long time ago. This situation is the results of all the frustrations of the Flemish Community since the creation of Belgium, in 1830: The Flemish elites who have the impression to be mispriced by the Walloon Community. That’s why; they decide an ambitious economical policy in order to be the region-leader in the country. The fact that Flemish people are more than the Walloons, the Flemish can make the investment decisions for Flanders vote by the federal government. This ambitious policy produces results. Nowadays, Flanders is one of the wealthiest regions in Europe. Whereas, the Wallonia doesn’t do this effort, and nowadays Wallonia is a region in crisis.

Moreover, in the 70s, the Belgian political parties had decided to break themselves in two parts, one for the Flemish region, and another for the Walloons. This decision was the beginning of this entire crisis. The Belgium’s unity is in question.

 

The Effects:

 

This political crisis has a bad effect on the country: For a few weeks ago, there was a financial crisis, and the absence of a strong federal government increases the effects of the crisis for Belgians. The budget deficit increases and the bill will be paid by the middle classes by an increase of Taxation rates.

 

Then the Belgians believe even less their politicians. In a recent survey, only 10% of the inhabitants have faith in the politicians. They only see them to argue for the institutions and there are not able to solve the social problems. Their preoccupations are about the financial crisis, the inflation rate and not about institutional problems.

 

Moreover, this crisis entails an absence of social policy. For instance, the question of immigration was not solved. There are not criteria for the regulations of immigrants.

 

To conclude, Belgium is a state which cannot take important decisions because its politicians are unable to make agreements.