A political gaffe, served up Belgian style

So let’s now turn to Belgian politics. But only for a laugh – because as political gaffes go, this one is pretty serious:

Yves Leterme (the new Prime Minister of Belgium) has not yet been officially sworn in but has already lost the confidence of half his country after reciting the opening lines of the Marseillaise - the French anthem - when asked if he knew the words to his country’s national song.

Belgium’s francophone newspapers today likened the gaffe to Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President, breaking into “God Save the Queen” on Bastille Day.

Watch it below. And just, just in case you are interested in the delicate Belgian sensibilities on this matter, The Economist’s Charlemagne column explains further:

Brussels has played host to many lost causes over the years. Charlemagne's favourite is the harmlessly dotty rattachiste movement, which seeks to split Belgium into two — a Dutch-speaking north and a French-speaking south  and then ask France to absorb the second as an extension of its territory. It is a doomed campaign, not least because France shows no enthusiasm for it. Yet over 26,000 Belgians voted for the main rattachiste party in last month's general election. This makes no sense, until one realises that those voters do not really believe they will be joining France any time soon. Their vote is rather a Francophone bellow of frustration at the dominance of Dutch-speakers in an increasingly divided country.

And for those who remain interested, here are the words of “Brabaçonne”, the Belgian national anthem.

After centuries in slavery,
The Belgian coming out of the tomb
Reconquered through his courage
His name, his rights and his flag.
And your sovereign and proud hand,
Now, undaunted people,
Engraved on your old banner:
The King, the Law, the Freedom!
Engraved on your old banner:
The King, the Law, the Freedom!
The King, the Law, the Freedom

Comments

[Bobby Vassallo]

Political gaffes are always fun. It's nice to make a Belgian waffle, albeit not so early, Charlemagne. It seems the new guy is already trying to split the populous. Like the Belgian coming out of the tomb, Leterme will regain his name, his rights and his flag, soon. He's a smart guy.