Related: Bedlam in Belgium
Yeah, they really are an intolerant lot, aren't they?
"Linguistic dispute causes a split in Belgian government" by Associated Press | April 23, 2010
BRUSSELS — Belgian Premier Yves Leterme’s government collapsed yesterday after negotiations broke down to resolve a long-simmering dispute between Dutch- and French-speaking politicians over a bilingual voting district....
You are kidding, right?
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Nope, no joke (sigh):
"Belgian king accepts coalition’s breakup" by Associated Press | April 27, 2010
BRUSSELS — Belgium’s King Albert II accepted the government’s resignation yesterday after negotiations failed to resolve a long-simmering dispute between Dutch- and French-speaking politicians over a bilingual voting district in and around Brussels, the country’s capital.
The king had waited since last week to see if last-ditch talks could keep the coalition government of Prime Minister Yves Leterme together. But late yesterday, it became clear the differences between the linguistic groups were too deep. Elections could now be called in early June....
The crisis comes at an inopportune moment: Belgium will take over the rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1....
Linguistic disputes rooted in history and economic disparities have long dominated politics in this country of 6.5 million Dutch-speakers and 4 million Francophones. Belgium is divided into Dutch-speaking northern Flanders and French-speaking southern Wallonia, with bilingual Brussels in between. The language rules determine which language is used on everything from mortgages and traffic signs to election ballots and divorce papers.
Europe's Canada and Quebec, 'eh?
No sectarian war like the Muslims would have, huh?
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Get a TRANSLATOR!
Heck, if you are an illegal here the state will pay for one!
