Belgium:Sme 35,000 Belgians marched through Brussels yesterday to defend the unity of their linguistically divided country after a government crisis led to speculation that the kingdom may break up.
The protest was meant to press Dutch- and French-speaking politicians to resolve differences that have left the country without a new administration, a record 161 days after a parliamentary election.
"We, Belgians of birth, heart or choice, demand that politicians respect our country and our unity," said the marchers' declaration, to be handed to parliamentary leaders.
The suspension of four-party talks to form a government this month has revived media speculation about a possible break up of the 177-year-old nation, seat of the European Union's main institutions, although polls show most Belgians favour unity.
"It's a strong signal and we must take notice of such signals since it doesn't happen often," francophone Socialist Party leader Elio de Rupo said.
Police estimated the number of protesters swelled to 35,000 as they marched from the Gare du Nord railway station in central Brussels to the Parc du Cinquantenaire near the EU headquarters.
Politicians from richer, more populous Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north want more autonomy, while those from poorer, French-speaking Wallonia defend the status quo.
Belgians on either side of the language divide have their own schools and news media and different political parties. - (Reuters)