An opinion from Paul Grosjean, editor-in-chief of MétroPaul
This June 9, 2024, as in all federated entities, the people of Brussels voted at the regional level. Then, in 2029, we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Brussels-Capital Region. Finally, in 2030, it will be the Bicentenary of Belgium. Not to mention that, that year, Brussels could also be European Capital of Culture. This shows whether the capital of Belgium will be at the heart of the news for the next six years. From there, it is fundamental to affirm Brussels identity. This approach necessarily involves first defining the pillars of this constantly evolving identity. On this subject, it seems essential to me to recall the importance of Brussels heritage…
A folklore inherited from the past
Like all urban centers, Brussels has its own folklore inherited from several hundred years of existence. There is a Brussels language which is neither Flemish nor French. Linguists will point out that there are actually four different dialects. Still, if I talk to you about peiof pilsnerof carabistouilleof dikkenekof brolof dracheyou will understand that I am brusseleir. No maybe!!??!?! And to instill this patois in you, I would take you to the Théâtre de Toone or the Théâtre des Galeries (where we could go see The Marriage of Mademoiselle Beulemans Or Bossemans and Coppenolle). Then, to continue this journey of identity, I would take you towards the Stade de l’Union Saint-Gilloise in the hope of meeting the Zwanze Parade. Or we would go to Anderlecht to support Sporting and eat at White Hat. With the idea of eating a good “American filet” (the centenary of which we are celebrating this year). We could then return to the Sacred Ilot to see the Manneken-pis and put on some shrimp croquettes Passage Tavern…
Is Brussels selling off its heritage?
Obviously, all this makes us furiously think of the time when “Brussels Brussels”, as the Great Jacques sang in 1962. Although it was only from the 1960s onwards, Brussels was transformed by the arrival of new populations. The Brabant city has gradually become the capital of Europe, while welcoming NATO as well as multiple international organizations. To such an extent that today we can speak of Zinneke Parade : our city-region is a world city. It is the most cosmopolitan after Dubai. In any case, Brussels is a multilingual metropolis where the entire planet can see itself. In a small territory of 161 km2, there are 185 nationalities for 104 languages spoken. This means that you don’t necessarily have to speak French or Dutch to feel like you’re a Brussels resident. Brussels is more than the addition of two communities. The fact is that everyone has the opportunity to make everyone’s language their own. To be convinced, just look at the incredible diversity of Brussels restaurants. The Brussels identity is in fact several layers which overlap without fuss and in a spirit of openness. We don’t necessarily have the same origins but we have a common destiny. The challenge is therefore to strengthen this cohesion between all communities…
Too split
Once we perceive the ingredients of this “new identity”, we can only note that Brussels institutions do not reflect the sociological reality of their territory. In other words, the structures of this city-region have not evolved at the same pace as its identity. The political and administrative fabric of the Brussels-Capital Region (which must, in addition, take into account 19 municipalities) is still far too divided between French-speaking and Dutch-speaking people. However, a French-speaking Brussels resident does not feel Walloon and a Dutch-speaking Brussels resident feels less and less Flemish. In short, the only way for the Region to truly become adult is to set up new, autonomous and simple structures. This is what our representatives should be working on in the years to come. It is up to future authorities to define this identity and the institutions that result from it…
How the Cinquantenaire site wants to be transformed for 2030
Faced with such “historical” issues, the place of Brussels heritage, like that of heritage, must be valued. It is important that everyone becomes aware of the incredible heritage riches of Brussels, whether they are public goods or private goods, whether they are material or intangible elements. Edward Leenders, the (Dutch) boss of the future Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, recently indicated that Brussels must stop having an inferiority complex compared to Paris or London.
Chantal Akerman
In reality, beyond politics, it is essential that everyone who lives in Brussels, whatever their origins, reclaims their heritage. By highlighting their heritage wonders, Brussels residents have the opportunity to assert their regional identity. They must be the first ambassadors of their urban community. Let us remember that, in the time of Charles V, Brussels was the capital of the world. And let us emphasize that today, Brussels has the most beautiful square in the world, the most beautiful galleries in the world and the largest historical monument in the world. And if we talk about Art Nouveau, we can recall that this architectural style was invented by Victor Horta, on the Avenue Louise side, at the Hôtel Tassel. I would add that one of the most beautiful residences in the world is located in Woluwé-Saint-Pierre, at the Palais Stoclet (unfortunately still inaccessible). Finally, do you know what is the best film of all time according to the very serious British Film Institute ? It’s not THE Godfather Or Citizen Kane. It’s quite simply Chantal Akerman’s film. Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Brussels. It’s difficult to get more Brussels… In short, it is by highlighting their exceptional heritage that all those who are attached to Brussels will be able to strengthen Brussels’ identity!
