“If confederalism works well, an independent Flanders is no longer necessary” Flemish nationalist leader Bart De Wever tells VRT three days ahead of the general election. The N-VA leader’s words seem at odds with party statutes. Article 1 of the N-VA’s party statutes identifies the creation of an independent Republic of Flanders that is a member state of a democratic European Union as the party’s goal.
“Confederalism is the logical next step in the development of Belgium,” Bart De Wever told VRT News. Under confederalism the federated states decide for themselves which powers (e.g. defence, foreign policy,…) are still pooled and are exerted by the central confederal authorities. In the N-VA’s thinking Belgium would consist of two entities: Flanders and Wallonia. Mr De Wever continued: "I will say even more: if that works, it will suffice for me. I have no obsessions as far as that is concerned. Nationalism is an instrument to govern well. It is not an end in itself."
Article 1 of N-VA party statutes reads: “In its quest for better governance and more democracy, the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) logically opts for an independent Republic of Flanders, a member state of a democratic European Union.”
Today Mr De Wever said: “If confederalism leads to having your own financial responsibility, being able to strengthen and protect prosperity in Flanders, that is enough for me”.
“The dream of the Flemish Movement has always been independence,” he admits. "The question is what does independence mean in the 21st century, in a geopolitical context that doesn't look good? It means that you also have to look at a bigger scale."
“We are the party that is today backing confederalism because sadly Belgian federalism has failed, has cost a lot of money and has created a state in which you cannot see the wood for the trees” the N-VA leader argues.