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 into 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

The decision of the Mayor of Merchtem may have his reasons for implementing the ban, but in the long run, this decision will not help in integrating the complex ethnic composition of Belgium.

• The possibility of conflict between social groups will be reduced if the power is shared.
• Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order, since social conflict often leads to political instability and violence.
• Although minorities will be oppressed due to the tyranny of the majority, it usually brings ruin to the majority as well.
• In the long run the unity of the nation will be undermined, if the will of the majority community is imposed over other minorities, although it looks like a good option in the short run.