Belgium is almost 200 years old: here is what is being prepared to celebrate this national bicentenary (video)
In 2030, our country will already celebrate its 200 years of existence. A rich history which is traditionally celebrated with large-scale projects. We saw the birth of one of the Heysel palaces during a celebration, for example. But for the 200 years, nothing has been announced yet. So what are we going to do for this occasion?
On the set of ‘It’s not every day on Sunday’, we got a glimpse of what could happen. “When nations celebrate big birthdays, we have to carry out ambitious projects”, we confirm Thomas Dermine, Federal Secretary of State for Recovery and Strategic Investments, in charge of Science Policy. “We had it at the time in a Belgium which is no longer that of today. Major challenges will materialize by 2030, in institutional or climate matters. We must carry out ambitious projects to celebrate our diversity. There is a fundamental work because these anniversaries catalyze a series of reflections, in particular on the Belgian institutional model, on the preservation of the role of pioneer on the climate or questions of the future “, he detailed.
And if nothing concrete is yet confirmed, several avenues are being explored. In particular on renovations of key places in our country. “Renovations of symbols of our democracy: the Palais de Justice, reflections on the reallocation of the Cinquantenaire district which is a magnificent complex but a little aging. We are starting to think about infrastructure projects which have a symbolic role and which project us into the future to restore vision and ambition for 2030 “, confirms Thomas Dermine.
Optimism contrasted by Pieter Bauwens, reditor-in-chief of Door clamp, a Flemish nationalist magazine. “I don’t really believe it. There is very little reason to profit now: we have the highest taxes in the world with, in return, a minimum service from the state. We also have soaring debts. at federal and regional level. We also see that the Belgian structure ensures that we are closed in this country. Nothing can change. What can make you want to have a party? “, he replied to the words of his counterpart.
For its part, the IRPA (Royal Institute of Artistic Heritage) will renovate works of art in depth. It is the public who vote for works and buildings to be renovated in priority: the treasures of the cathedral of Tournai, the Art Nouveau of Brussels or the creations of Constantin Meunier.