King Filip on Saturday addressed the people of Belgium on the occasion of the Belgian holiday. The monarch touched on the outcome of the 9 June general election. That result provided room for Belgium’s different political parties and regions to come more closely together, the king noted. The "necessary reforms" and the importance of the European Union were also mentioned: "The next 5 years are decisive for Europe and our country". Observant viewers also noticed references to the Olympics.
The king's traditional speech on the eve of the National Holiday, on 21 July, focused primarily on the 9 June elections. The king dwelt extensively on the election results, looking above all at new opportunities to work better together. In conversations with politicians, he sensed no bitterness, but dignity and a constructive spirit, the king said.
"The election results show a possible rapprochement between political parties and between regions," the king continued. "The current momentum offers an opportunity for the federal state, regions and communities to work better together - starting from the strengths of each level."
Strengthening the economy and necessary reforms
The king also stressed the need to continue building our economy in order to strengthen our country's position in the world. "In recent years, Belgium has experienced many crises, which on the whole have been well-managed, but this has inevitably come at a significant cost."
Reforms are therefore necessary, the king said. But these reforms must also benefit our public services "because they remain indispensable to the cohesion of our society and the reputation of our country".
"We need a unifying project that touches people's hearts and promotes mutual aid and civic responsibility."
EU Presidency and European cooperation
King Filip also sees that unifying project in the European Union. A union that may sometimes seem somewhat abstract, but in reality, has a "direct impact on the lives of its 450 million citizens," the king noted.
"The European Union makes us less dependent on the outside world. It enables our nations to make concrete progress in a wide range of areas, such as in the fight against climate change and the loss of biodiversity."
The Belgian presidency of the European Union did not escape King Filip's notice either. He spoke highly of the role Belgium played over the past 6 months. With Belgium as its president, the European Union found common ground between its member states and moved European cooperation forward, the king said.
"The next 5 years will be decisive for the future of Europe and for our country," King Filip concluded. "New opportunities to strengthen our security, our prosperity and the values on which our democratic society is built present themselves. Let us together seize these opportunities with both hands!"
Nod to the Olympics!
The king's speech came from his office in the Palace of Brussels.
Keen observers will have noted the photographs in the background with Belgian athlete Nafi Thiam providing a nod to the Olympics. The photo was taken when Thiam was appointed Grand Officer in the Order of Leopold, the highest civilian decoration that can be awarded in Belgium.
Another photo shows King Filip and Queen Mathilde with athletes Bashir Abdi, Lotte Kopecky, Dylan and Kevin Borlée, Julien Watrin and Nafi Thiam during a reception at the royal palace. Both photos are a clear reference to the Olympic Games, which start in Paris on Friday. The royal couple traditionally receives all Belgian medallists.
