Reconstructing Belgium

Following the resignation of Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme, the daily De Standaard examines possible solutions to the crisis: "It is now clearer than ever that the country called Belgium needs to be rebuilt; that we need new and comprehensive dialogue on the relations between the different communities and the relations between the federal government, the communities and the municipalities. ... The consultations which King Albert resumed yesterday can be successful only if the Court and all the members of state involved realise that this country needs to be transformed from an imbalanced federal model into a balanced and united confederation model. Otherwise, with or without Leterme, we will shatter against the boundaries of the present system. Redefining these boundaries is the best guarantee for a social, economical and ecological policy that is tailored to meet the needs of Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia - that is of all Belgians."

» full article (external link, Dutch)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Belgium
All available articles from » Peter Vandermeersch

» To the complete press review of Wednesday, July 16, 2008