Grow a Beard for Belgium

March 2011

It isn't common for the politics of the low countries to generate column inches on this side of the North Sea but, of late, we have to confess to being more than a little intrigued with the goings-on with the Belgian government. Or, to be more precise, what hasn't been going on..

As we write, they haven't had a government since June 2010: political parties from the Dutch-speaking north and French-speaking south remain split, resulting in a post-war record for a country to go without a government.

Still not that interesting? Couldn't agree more, but the response from the Belgians has been, well, different to say the least. One of Belgium's best-known actors, Benoit Poelvoorde, has urged his fellow citizens not to shave again until the country finally forms a government. On national TV, he appealed: "We have decided to stop shaving for as long as Belgium has no government - keep our beards until Belgium rises again!"

It's not clear how many might down razors in response - Captain Haddock from the Adventures of Tintin is still by far the most famous 'bearded Belgian' - but the next initiative might get the politicians taking the situation more seriously.

“No sex until we get a government!” has been the rallying call from Belgian Senator Marleen Temmerman, saying “The spouses of all MPs and negotiators should withhold sex until a deal is reached.”

To date, no-one has suggested ceasing brewing or beer consumption... possibly a step too far, even for the Belgians.