But where has the “Belgian compromise” gone?
For almost 200 years, Belgium has been a miracle. How, in a small territory, have several populations so different been able to build, then, for half a century, to deconstruct a country in relative calm? How could a country be formed, seeing Catholics and Liberals allying itself, then reforming itself between Flemish cultural aspirations and the will of Walloon economic emancipation? How could this “team” of only a few million inhabitants influence the fate of many international multilateral institutions throughout the second part of the twentieth century with personalities like Paul-Henri Spaak?
The answer lies in this famous expression: “the Belgian compromise” or this will, tireless, to try to find an agreement around a table, rather than by slapping on it. The school pact, the six state reforms, ethical issues such as abortion: the “great chords“are not lacking in the history of the country, between parties not always ready to come to an agreement.
Today, the very philosophy of “Belgian compromise” seems in danger. Whether during consultation committees, within the federal, Brussels or Walloon government, between majority partners, the atmosphere is not, is no longer in search of an agreement that can satisfy all stakeholders in the field. ‘a file.
How can we explain that issues such as the vaccine obligation, Uber, SUVs, nuclear power, can they, at this point, cause political earthquakes? Where has the spirit of the “Belgian compromise” gone? Was it just a mirage? Should it be placed alongside the “Grand Jojo” and “La Belgique à Papa”, as symbols of an evanescent Belgium?
Caroline Sägesser, historian at CRISP and expert in the functioning of institutions, will enlighten us on the notion of “Belgian compromise” and its evolution. Of Swiss origin, this expertise in the functioning of institutions also evokes the political system of his country. Source of inspiration for Belgium?