Gert-Jan - I think you misunderstand the point of my blog, and perhaps blogs in general. This is not a world-leading journalistic outlet, this is my personal blog where I share my thoughts in the hope of triggering a conversation. The reason this blog allows comments is so that people can take part in a conversation, in the hope that everyone involved gains something from that experience.

You've added a lot to that conversation, but you attitude has been rather at odds with the forum. Regardless, sincere thanks for your insights.

I'm glad you mentioned SHAME - is it fair to characterise them as the organic expression of the feelings of the average, ordinary, non-political Belgian? Could they evolve into a strong enough voice for unity to save the nation? The reason I ask is that it's very hard to judge things like that from the outside - yes, I see the protests on the news, but that doesn't give a great deal of understanding of the movement.

Finally, I think I tried to express this in my post (not sure you read it all yet), but I'm not really a fan of a split, but I fear it may be the only way out. What ever the mood of most of the people of the nation may be, it certainly seems as if the politicians in Belgium have almost nothing in common with each other - and can't find any shared ground to build a working relationship from.

If, by some miracle a new election were to be called, do you think the Flemish nationalistic parties like the NV-A would win again over the federalist parties? Or would a new election result in more moderate politicians to start another round of negotiations?

Thanks again for your contributions,

Bart.