Question

The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Answer 1

Belgium’s system of government is often regarded as an example of the best federal government, with the goal of maintaining peace between the French and Dutch-speaking communities.

The Mayor of Merchtem’s decision is not consistent with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements. The measures made will not keep the peace between the two groups. If the Mayor prohibits speaking French, he will incite social unrest. In the Flemish region, 59% of the population speaks Dutch, and preventing French from being used in the town’s schools would prevent French and Dutch speakers from establishing bonds, as well as creating sentiments of distrust and hesitation. The restriction neglected regional distinctions and cultural diversities.

The best and most effective way to unite a community is to make both languages acceptable in the town’s schools, resulting in a bilingual educational system. This will help people integrate better into the town.