What is the Belgian monarchy for ?

Professor Marc Uyttendaele of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Free University of Brussels) believes that the stature of the king has suffered from the political crisis in Belgium, which has had no government since June 10. "When the king's role is merely formal and symbolic, it is reasonable to argue that the monarchy's main - if not sole - raison d'être is that of arbiter at times when crisis-hit political institutions are too weak to ensure the well-being of all by themselves. ... Rather than standing aloof from the madding crowd, he allows himself to be used by the desperate Orange-Blue coalition [between Christian Democrats and Liberals]. ... Some will be sorely tempted to say that there is no need for a king who is incapable of raising the standard of debate and forcing the political players to take a loftier view."

» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Belgium
All available articles from » Marc Uyttendaele

» To the complete press review of Monday, November 12, 2007