It has happened that I have found a part of the new compromise already that I do not like, one of the oldest parts of the constitution is to be done away with. That is that Prince Philippe, Prince Laurent and Princess Astrid will no longer be able to have their seats in the Senate according to the new changes. This is a tradition that dates back to the original 1831 constitution which stated that the sons of the King could have seats in the Senate to gain political experience and keep in touch with understanding the will of the people. Later, SM King Leopold II changed this to extend to other royals since he had no children but still wanted his heir, future King Albert I, to sit in the Senate to gain political experience. Of course, they do not count towards a quorum and they cannot vote until they attain legal maturity but now the children of the King will be denied their place in the Senate. I think this is a terrible change. Surely it would be a good idea for the children of Prince Philippe, such as Princesse Elisabeth who will be our Queen someday, to have actual experience in the workings of government? It is probably not so important that Philippe, Astrid and Laurent no longer sit, but it is not good I think to deprive the next generation of this valuable tool in growing their understanding of the political system and how things work.
This is a shame!
ReplyDeleteThis really surprised me. Why would anyone object to this? It was only done to give the heirs to the throne "hands-on" experience in government, who could find that objectionable? With all of the big problems of disagreement, why was this even a matter of discussion with so many more important issues to deal with? It makes no sense and I think is a terrible idea.
ReplyDeleteIf I may be so bold, Princess Astrid looks like Marine le Pen.
ReplyDeleteAlas, they'll sideline the monarchy as much as possible to facilitate republicanism and the division of Belgium.
I can maybe see that, but I think Princess Astrid would be offended for the suggestion (not me, I have nothing against the FN or any party -except those that want to divide the country) but Princess Astrid would probably. I cannot see her being a FN supporter in France or Belgium.
ReplyDeleteNo, probably not, and I can't say I would blame her. I like the FN myself, but it would be bad publicity.
ReplyDeleteI posted on the FN once, the Belgian of course, and someone tried to leave a rather rude comment that I was horrible for even making a subject of them, they are a shame to Belgium and all racists and you I am sure know the routine. So I see they always provoke controversy in any country.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't trust them. I left them a message (in French), via Facebook once, asking if they supported the monarchy and not only did they not answer but they erased the question so no one would know the issue had even been brought up. They also seem friendly with the Wilders bunch in Holland that has been attacking the Dutch monarchy and that "Social Movement" group in Italy that's basically neo-Fascist. So, I wouldn't trust them. There are others, like the Belgian Union (I think it's called) that do support the monarchy and I would give my support to them or a group like them. If the National Front will not state their support for the Belgian monarchy I wouldn't even consider the rest of their platform.
ReplyDeleteToo bad. I would never vote for them then.
ReplyDelete