National schizophrenia

In a probably futile attempt to convince you that my eyes are not permanently fixed 'over there', I bring to your attention an item of news from 'just over there'.  'Plucky little Belgium' seems set on an amoeba-like division along nationalist-language lines between the French-speaking Walloons and the Dutch-speaking Flemish.  This is hardly a 'Shlock-Horror' story because this ersatz 'nation' has always suffered inherent schizophrenia since its inception in 1830.  Still, it is heartening to be reminded that at the very heart of the 'New Frankish Empire' where nationalism is severely frowned upon, at least, it is by the bigger states when they occasionally glance at the smaller ones, we find it alive and kicking.  According to Charles Forelle in the Euro-WSJ, it is unlikely that a total rift will occur but a moderate, albeit vigorously nationalist Flemish party has just won a hefty number of seats in the election and the French-speaking Walloons will have to negotiate - and mean it or else!

Incidentally, apologies for my absence.  We gave a summer drinks party on Sunday and preparations for it were not dis-similar in size and scope to those required for Operation Overlord so I have been somewhat distracted!

Comments

[dearieme]

Long ago, the more thoroughly industrialised Walloons subsidised the peasant Flemings. Now the boot is on the other foot, the Flemings want out. How ill-mannered. Still, it must remind you of somewhere else, David?

[David Duff]

The history of worms turning is enormous, 'DM', do you have a particular example in mind?

[dearieme]

The obvious one is Scotland - and presumably the North of England and much of the English Midlands- subsidising the scarcely industrialised south of England for a century or so. Indeed, Scoland had a second bite at the cherry later on in the oil-and-gas years.

[David Duff]

I take your point. And any time now I supose that like Afghanistan they will suddenly discover the Highlands are full of precious commodity metals!