The president of the party who has historically stood out for her defense of the rights of French speakers believes that the real problem lies “in the law itself”. Legislative texts require that official communications be made in the language of the region concerned. “In the case of trains, it is therefore the law that should be modified. However, such a change requires a revision of special laws, which requires the support of a majority within the Dutch-speaking language group. However, all Flemish parties seem to align with the positions of the N-VA and Vlaams Belang. Suffice to say that a change in law is not for tomorrow. Politically, I don’t see how this could be done. The only solution could come from intervention by the minister via a circular, but that remains to be seen.”
The CD&V was in a cartel with the N-VA
“What Sammy Mahdi said is huge”she continues. “The CD&V, which was in a cartel with the N-VA, is today influenced by this ideological proximity. Unfortunately, the N-VA is the party most hostile towards non-Dutch speakers, and other Flemish parties also follow this line. This is why it is crucial that French-speaking people remain united in the face of these abuses. This goes too far, to the point of almost becoming a caricature.
According to Sophie Rohonyi, “we live in a small country where surrealism sometimes dominates, but there should still be some freedom for citizens. This linguistic regulation is totally disconnected from the daily realities of residents. Take the example of Walloon commuters: every day, around 500,000 people have to take the train. Along the way, they pass through three different linguistic regimes. Until Hal, announcements are made in French; then, only in Dutch; and finally, potentially in Dutch and French when they arrive in the bilingual Brussels region.”
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Absurd situations
The Rhodienne cites a series of situations made absurd by the abusive application and interpretation of linguistic laws. “This type of excess is unfortunately common in Flanders, particularly in municipalities with facilities.” In certain municipal councils, for example, an inspector is present to ensure that no word of French is spoken, even for completely banal exchanges.
Two years ago, an emblematic case caused a stir: in Tervuren, a baker spoke in French to one of his customers out of courtesy. Result ? A complaint has been filed.
“It is imperative not to use rigid interpretations of linguistic laws to hinder the mobility of French speakers. They are not sub-citizens: they have the same rights as others, in particular that of moving, living and working freely throughout the country.”
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