"The situation in Gaza has dragged on for far too long and is a disgrace to humanity” Filip, King of Belgians, said in his traditional speech to mark the Belgian national holiday on 21 July. The king believes the EU must act with greater vigour and stand up to the ‘brutal power struggle’ in the world.
In his 21 July address this year, King Filip talks mainly about the various violent conflicts in the world, which continue to rage on and on. He is particularly forthright with regard to the war in Gaza.
"I join all those who denounce the grave humanitarian abuses in Gaza, where innocent civilians, trapped in their enclave, are dying of hunger and succumbing to bombs," he told the people of Belgium.
"The current situation has been dragging on for far too long. This is a disgrace to humanity. We support the United Nations Secretary-General's call for an immediate end to this intolerable crisis."
“This is the first time King Filip has spoken out so vigorously and clearly about a conflict,’ says VRT NEWS journalist and royal editor Pascale Mertens.
"In his Christmas address last year, he also talked about wars, and their impact on children. But he did not mention countries or conflicts by name then. This time, he explicitly mentions Gaza. And it is the first time he has called something so clearly a disgrace to humanity."
Political cover is there
The king seems to be speaking out more forcefully on Gaza than his federal government, which often sounds more reserved in its criticism. “But if you listen to the precise choice of words, you will hear that he does not use the word ‘genocide’,” says VRT NEWS political editor Pieterjan De Smedt.
"The king is clearly outraged by what is happening in Gaza and could not really remain silent. But he is also mindful of the political sensitivities in Belgium. When the king makes statements like this, they are always approved in advance by the federal government."
Europe as a strong leader
Filip, King of Belgians, believes that Europe must "assert its leadership even more strongly" and "act as a bulwark against and a worthy alternative to the brutal power struggle we are witnessing today". "By remaining true to our values: democracy, justice and law," he noted in his televised address in Belgium’s three national languages.
"International law is openly questioned today. The EU continues to favour cooperation over confrontation, choosing openness over exclusion. This is a remarkable, sometimes difficult choice. Today, it also requires courage."
The king also spoke of Ukraine, "where the people continue to resist with extraordinary courage". He thinks it is important to continue supporting the people of Ukraine. "Their struggle to preserve their sovereignty, means they are also protecting ours," the monarch said.
Need for a Brussels government
Although wars and conflicts in the rest of the world take centre stage in this year’s speech, King Filip also considered the lie of the land in Belgium itself and particularly in our beautiful capital, where the Brussels region still lacks a new government over a year after the 9 June poll in 2024.
"In the light of all the violence and unrest plaguing the world, our own concerns may seem insignificant. Nothing could be further from the truth. They deserve all our attention and that of our elected representatives. They must be dealt with decisively because they have a direct impact on the citizens of this nation."
“In Brussels in particular, it is urgent that a new government finally sets to work,” he said.
