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Fifth Column
The godfather

“Bart De Wever is a pub strategist.” In other words, the N-VA president eagerly discusses matters on which he is no expert. Vice-prime minister Johan Vande Lanotte believes that the nationalist N-VA, Flanders’ biggest political force, will inevitably disappoint a large part of its voters. With this quote, Johan Vande Lanotte kicked his socialist party into election mode.
Anja Otte
(September 24, 2024)
Who wants the 16?

“The 16” refers to the address Wetstraat 16, the prime minister’s office, as well as the function of prime minister itself. One would think that the 16 was the most coveted of political posts, but that is not the case in Flanders. No-one, so it seems, wants the 16.
Anja Otte
(September 18, 2024)
Growing pains

Is Turnhout ungovernable, yes or no? The city council voted on a rather unusual topic recently. And the surprising answer was: Yes, Turnhout is ungovernable. The city government no longer has a majority.
Anja Otte
(September 11, 2024)
Naughty

“I dare N-VA to put on its billboards: ‘Republic of Flanders: now!’ They won’t. You will not hear the word “separatism” in their campaign. I bet you crate of champagne that in 2014, they will slink off with their separatist tail between their legs.” Those were the words of liberal politician Herman De Croo last week.
Anja Otte
(September 4, 2024)
A bit generous

The federal parliament consists of two houses: the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate, the latter of which has become obsolete. Most politicians have favoured the abolishment of the Senate, but that turned out to be easier said than done, as the senators had to vote themselves into oblivion.
Anja Otte
(August 28, 2024)
Wanted: W/M

Behind the scenes, Flanders’ political parties are assembling the lists for the 2014 elections – or “the mother of all elections” as they are sometimes called because voters get to decide on the Flemish, federal and European parliaments all in one go.
Anja Otte
(August 21, 2024)
Summertime blues

Prime minister Elio Di Rupo left for his Italian holiday in a good mood, after his government had reached an agreement on a couple of thorny issues. With six parties (socialists, Christiandemocrats and liberals) making up the government, some had thought that it making one single decision would be impossible, but the prime minister proved them all wrong. In his absence, though, everything seems to be coming apart. The signs were there even before Di Rupo set sail, as the government was unable to agree on a reform of the law on competiveness. Before the New Year, the government had announced this reform, with the goal of lowering the cost of labour.

Anja Otte
(August 14, 2024)
The European job

It is hard not to notice Karel De Gucht. The EU trade commissioner has a knack for speaking out, no matter what the consequences may be.
Anja Otte
(August 7, 2024)
Tax-cification

The federal government was quite successful just before the summer holidays, with agreements on BHV, the budget, the unified statute for white and blue collar workers and police reform. The installation of the new king was the cherry on the cake for prime minister Elio Di Rupo.
Anja Otte
(July 31, 2024)
Vive la république?

As politicians and other dignitaries crowded in the relatively small Chamber of Representatives to witness the new king’s oath, many expected a repeat of earlier incidents. In 1950, when King Boudewijn took the oath, someone in the room called out “Vive la république!” Julien Lahaut, a communist senator believed to be the culprit, was killed later that year. In 1993, Jean-Pierre Van Rossem repeated the act before King Albert. This time, no republican yells were heard.

Anja Otte
(July 24, 2024)