Body language

Vlaams Belang, Flanders' extreme right party did not get the victory it had counted on in the local elections last Sunday. Many of us had hoped so, but only few had dared to predict it. OK, they won (sometimes quite significantly) in certain rural areas, but only because they had not been present there yet in earlier local elections. One of their main goals, however - to gain even more votes in bigger towns and cities - was not achieved (especially in Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent).

[foto]

And despite their claiming a victory, the facts are what they are: some 90,000 people in Flanders did no longer vote for Vlaams Belang (in comparison to the regional elections of 2004). And you know what: I am sure the party's big shots know it too. Their non-verbal communication on election night said it all. Let the process of pushing them back even further begin...

A remarkable televsion appearance on election night was also made by Michel Daerden, minister in the Walloon regional government, who had already - quite clearly - celebrated his election victory in Ans. Even if you do not speak French, here also, the non-verbal part of his communication makes clear the drinks were plenty...

Note: the photo above was not taken on election night, but is quite similar to some of the scenes that could be seen on tv. One of those scenes (Dewinter's "victory speech") can be watched here, if you have the patience to wait a minute or so (click 'Televideo').

Comments

[Piet De Vriendt]

I cannot help but feeling that whenever that guy is talking it is as if everthing he says has been written and approved from beforehand.
... oh but wait... it probably is ;-)

It is funny, they claim it is all the new belgians (who used to be immigrants) that vote for the socialist party.

It is rather strange, because whenever I am in discussion with a Vlaams Belang voter they always say... "did you know that all the immigrants who turned belgian vote for VB as well? Because they are ashamed of the non belgian immigrants?"

[Serge]

Piet: I see what you mean. But then again: consistency has never been their strong point, has it... ;-{

[Sidney]

Good thing that they lost votes. But I don't think we should claim victory either. Belgium and Europe are still heading towards some very serious problems due to our greying population.
Those people prosper on problems!

[Serge]

True, Sidney. It's up to our 'leaders' to prove they're capable of good government and tackle problems in society as much as possible. I guess we still have we a long way to go...