Leave Flemish identity out of politics

Wednesday is a national holiday in Flanders. Political scientist Marc Hooghe writes in the left-liberal daily De Morgen that the politicians forget Flemish culture in their speeches on Flemish identity: "If Flemish politicians really do take Flemish identity seriously they should come up with more than just boring speeches and tough demands. They should also take culture policy seriously and endow it with the necessary resources. … It's easy to make negative remarks: there are always plenty of excuses to complain about the Francophones, the people in Brussels or the foreigners. But is this the Flemish identity we represent and with which we want to play a leading role in tomorrow's Europe? Or do we have enough confidence in the appeal and power of our culture to make a valuable contribution to this united Europe? The Flemish identity exists, but it is far too valuable to place it in the hands of politicians who are driven mainly by their own interests and party politics."

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