United Low Countries? ”Ja, s'il vous plaît,” says Belgian PM
The split between the Netherlands and Belgium in the 16th century was ”the greatest disaster that ever happened to us.” Those are the words of Belgium’s prime minister, Bart de Wever. During a recent radio interview, the Belgian politician reiterated his long-cherished wish for Belgium and the Netherlands to merge into one political entity.
While De Wever, a Flemish nationalist, already advocated this idea as an MP, his words now carry extra weight as the country's leader. ”I never change convictions, only roles,” he said during the interview.
De Wever's dream of merging the two neighbouring countries is not so much rooted in a nostalgic desire as in 'economic rationalism', he claims. ”The world is getting bigger, the economic players are getting bigger, which means you have to scale up. At that point, you have to find someone similar to you.”
In the Netherlands, people seem rather indifferent to the idea. But if it were up to Dutch nationalists, like far-right politician Geert Wilders, the Dutch-speaking part of Flanders would be more than welcome to join the Netherlands.
One little problem: what to do with the French-speaking Wallonia? ”Give it to France,” is what Dutch parliament speaker Martin Bosma, who belongs to Wilders’ far-right party PVV, allegedly said over a dinner with the French ambassador in February. Very likely, no Belgians were present that night.
As a Dutchman who grew up five minutes from the Belgian border, and with a last name equal to that of Belgium's most famous cyclist, I have always felt very related to the country. In some ways even more than with my compatriots in Holland. I appreciate Belgian humor, composure and eloquence, and can feel mildly offended when they call me a 'Hollander'.But as I write this, I realise I am not thinking of Belgium, but of Flanders specifically. The connection I feel with the French-speaking part is close to zero. Perhaps that is the whole reason those Flemish nationalists are thinking of uniting with those who speak their language.