Belgium faces confederation

The political crisis in Belgium is deepening following the failure of the Flemish Christian Democrats, the winner of the June 10 elections, to form a government. On Saturday, King Albert II accepted the resignation of Yves Leterme, to whom he himself handed the mandate to form a new cabinet six months ago. The failed prime minister explained his step by disagreements among potential coalition partners. “The country and its people need a strong and energetic government. I am convinced that this is only possible if the necessary reforms are implemented." He explained that it was precisely the essence of the reforms that became the cause of disagreement.

In Belgium, the likelihood of new parliamentary elections is increasing. However, the danger is that relations between the two main Belgian regions - Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia - have become even more complicated. According to established practice, the Prime Minister of Belgium is a representative of the most populous and industrialized region of Flanders. Yves Leterme, originally from Flanders, demands greater independence for this and other regions by reducing the powers of the federal government and parliament. In practice, this would mean transforming Belgium from a unitary state into a confederation of three regions with expanded rights - Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels capital region. The Walloon parties are opposed and have blocked the creation of a new cabinet.

Petr ISKENDEROV