There is a fundamental problem with one placing the word of Allah above civil law, just as there is a problem with not recognizing the separation of church and state. I'm not going to be so naughty and say that a Muslim can never be Flemish, everyone has to decide that for themselves. But I think Islam is not compatible with our Flemish identity.

Belgium is a beautiful city.

Jawel, het is Ffffriesland, gezien uit een vliegmasjien.

Yes ssjjure, it is Fffriesland, seen from an airplane.

Vlaams Belang has become a large party, and that is part of the game of democracy. If policymakers want to know how to organize democracy, then one has to listen to what the voter says and asks about it. Now we notice that people are actually doing the opposite. The vote of the voter is ignored for the sake of preserving power. The federal government does not have a majority in Flanders. Democracy is thus neutralized, not only through the cordon sanitaire, but also through the formation of a Vivaldi government. In such a case, Vlaams Belang should not wonder whether it will become a people's party. No, we are the only resistance.

Translation: The Netherlands is a sociable land where people respect each other. We fight each other with words, not with bullets.

But 'the' Dutch identity? No, I have not found it. The Netherlands is: large windows without curtains so everyone can look in; but also adherence to privacy and coziness. The Netherlands is: one biscuit at tea; but also great hospitality and warmth. The Netherlands is: sobriety, control and pragmatism; but also the experience of intense emotions together. The Netherlands is far too diverse to summarize in one cliché. 'The' Dutchman does not exist. As a consolation I can tell you that 'the' Argentinian also does not exist. I therefore find it very interesting that the title of the report of the Scientific Council for Government Policy is not 'the Dutch identity'. But: Identification with the Netherlands. That leaves room for development and diversity.

Well, the Belgians aren't a seafaring people, are they?

Belgium is not a nation!

Belgium is not the Belgium that you and I knew, Matt, from 20 years ago, which was one of the most beautiful cities and one of the safest cities in the world. Belgium is a horror show right now.

No, the Dutchman is not cold, not insensitive, our people are still full of enthusiasm for what is noble and good. Holland above all! We artists, from Rembrandt to Maris, rave over our country. We find our Holland a delicious beautiful country with its meadows, its beaches, its sea, its domestic interiors, its figures, peasants, farmers, Jews, merchants, everything is similar picturesque as it is all just up for grabs. The most beautifully in the Netherlands is however Amsterdam, that delicious spacious Amsterdam, which is expressing so much and uniting so much in itself. (translation from the original Dutch: Fons Heijnsbroek)

Belgium is a boiler that needs valves.

Belgium is a boiler that needs valves.

I call on the Flemish Government to screen specifically for Muslim fundamentalists and Taliban supporters and to tighten the integration conditions.