Meanwhile in Belgium...

[minionofmidas]

That's what happens when two distinct linguistic, socio-economic, and cultural peoples lumped together have nowt in common .

Yes. And guess what country is responsible for two distinct linguistic, socio-economic, and cultural peoples being lumped together in Belgium with nowt in common?

The Flemish, by staying Catholic and staying under Spanish rule when the other Dutch-speaking provinces went Calvinist and won their independence?

[minionofmidas]

but the Belgium created in the 1830s had a predecessor throughout the 17th and 18th century, the Spanish (later Austrian) Netherlands. Not quite that artificial after all, eh?

Besides, the Belgian flag, like its close cousin the German, derives from the heraldic signs of the Holy Roman Empire.

[minionofmidas]

As long as their wonderful waffles never let up....

Once again we agree 100%.

[minionofmidas]

As long as their wonderful waffles never let up....

Once again we agree 100%.

but will they still be called Belgian waffles  if Belgium splits into Flanders and Walloonia?

They aren't called that now, at least not in Belgium. There's Brussels waffles and Liege waffles.

[minionofmidas]

No. Everybody is still pretending that Leterme has a mandate to form a government.

[minionofmidas]

To think that this is in Europe, not a Banana Republic...

Not a contradiction. Look at Poland Italy Serbia.

[minionofmidas]

Why was this never reported on in America? I mean, I know it's Belgium; you don't get any more random than that but no news on it? I found out about this just yesterday.

I first heard of this new "government" on this forum!

[minionofmidas]

So the Flemish socialists are in opposition now?

[minionofmidas]

Which parties are in the coalition [question mark]

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Both Liberals, Both Christian Democrats, and Walloon Socialists, according to Wikipedia.

[minionofmidas]

Which parties are in the coalition [question mark]

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Both Liberals, Both Christian Democrats, and Walloon Socialists, according to Wikipedia.

That's messed up. So the Flemish Socialists aren't in, but the Walloons are?

It makes perfect sense... if you are Steve Stevaert and intend to be the next Prime Minister of Belgium, that is.

[minionofmidas]

Leterme's politics may be surreal, but I didn't think that makes him a surrealist.

[minionofmidas]

No change to the constituency design?

[minionofmidas]

...then spent the next 100 years postponing partition because they cant agree who shall get Halle-Vilvoorde.

[minionofmidas]

...then spent the next 100 years postponing partition because they cant agree who shall get Halle-Vilvoorde.

It can join the city-state of Brussels!

That would, in practice, be the same damn thing as giving it to Wallonia. To Flemish Nationalists, it is a point of religious dogma that Brussels is wholly surrounded by Flemish country... but alas, it is not. That is the whole damn point of the current eternal crisis.