Belgium had a snap parliamentary election over the weekend, and the big winner was the separatist New Flemish Party that wants to dissolve the nation and restore Flanders as an autonomous country.
The devolution of Belgium has been a critical issue for several years. Three years ago, the elections in Belgium were so contentious that it made it almost impossible for the winning party to form a national government for months afterward. The New Flemish Party only won six seats in that election, but yesterday took 27. Ironically enough, they still have to work out a power sharing deal with the French Socialists to create a government, but it means that devolution will be front-and-center on the government’s agenda.
If it comes to pass, there’s a pretty good likelihood that Wallonia would join France, a move that has support in both France and Wallonia. Among the Flemish, only 32% actively support breaking up the country, but the victory of the separatists indicates that the desire for some sort of recalculation of political power in Belgium is strong.
Wait…how did the Tea Party do?? ;-)