Fifth column: Peace out

In the federal parliament, north and south, each with its distinct political culture, meet. But this doesn’t explain the drama of recent weeks, between the Flemish N-VA and the equally Flemish Christian-democrats CD&V.

The conflicts have intensified as N-VA shifted its attention to identity politics. Key players are N-VA politicians Theo Francken, the secretary of state for migration; Jan Jambon, federal interior minister, responsible for security in the wake of the Brussels attacks; and the new secretary of state Zuhal Demir, whose Turkish-Kurd background attracts much media attention.

CD&V finds it much harder to fulfil its role as the voice of reason, subtly accusing N-VA of stirring up differences between population groups. CD&V president Wouter Beke criticised Francken when he accused Doctors Without Borders of trafficking. A press conference by N-VA president and Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever and his police chief following an incident in a busy shopping street, became another source of conflict between CD&V and N-VA: Justice minister Koen Geens of CD&V stated that the public prosecutor had expressly said not to hold a press conference on the situation.

By contrast, the government of Flanders has been an island of peace, achieving results such as a budget surplus and an agreement on environmental protection. The most notable of Flemish ministers is Ben Weyts (N-VA). Best known for his mobility portfolio, he’s also in charge of animal welfare.

Weyts (pictured) did not hesitate to close the slaughterhouse in Tielt earlier this month, after undercover video revealed serious cases of animal abuse. He also came up with a proposal banning slaughter of animals without stunning them, although this remains contested by both the Jewish and Muslim communities.

His biggest achievement this year, though, is an agreement on Oosterweel, the Antwerp ring road link meant to solve the city’s grave mobility problems. Construction has been postponed for decades due to protests by grassroots organisations. An intendant appointed by Weyts managed to get everyone around the table and come up with a compromise.

Weyts started his career as spokesperson for Geert Bourgeois, now Flanders’ minister-president. He has spread his wings to become a stronghold in the regional government.

Photo courtesy benweyts.be