"Achtung?" -- Belgium's German-speakers pipe up
EUPEN, Belgium (Reuters) - Belgium's forgotten German-speaking community is starting to speak up about the squabbles of compatriots that have left the country in political deadlock for over five months.
The dispute between French- and Dutch-speaking parties has set a new 158-day record in failing to form a government. Belgians who speak German -- a semi-autonomous community of 70,000 -- feel left out.
At a parade in the mostly German-speaking town of Eupen on November 11 to honor Saint Martin, the patron of generosity who shared his coat with a beggar, the carnival mood was tinged with concern and rare shows of patriotism.
As children and brass bands paraded towards a giant bonfire in one of the main town squares, Belgian flags were -- unusually -- displayed on windows, and painted on some people's cheeks.
"It's always about the Dutch and the French-speaking communities and I'm a little disappointed that they don't even talk about us," said Henri Sparla, a senior citizen.
To date the German-speaking community -- most of whom are tucked into the east of the French-speaking region of Wallonia -- has been served well by Belgium's political system of compromises between 6.5 million Dutch-speakers and 4 million francophones.
The kingdom recognizes German as one of its three official languages, the community has its own parliament and education system, and the European Union has described Belgium's German-speakers as one of Europe's most pampered minorities.
Karl-Heinz Lambertz, the community's president, was eloquent about the dispute which in over five months since the June general election has left parties nowhere near a deal.
"In this perpetual musical performance -- or this symphony or this opera, I leave the choice of style up to you -- which is the institutional evolution of Belgium, the German-speaking community is not the composer, nor conductor, nor the first violinist," he told Reuters.
"We only play a marginal role: if you want you could compare us to those who play the triangles or an instrument of that kind of importance."
'NOT GERMAN'
Dutch-speaking Flemings demand more devolution for their region and the French-speakers favor a more centralized state. Some Belgians are worried that the row may tear apart the 177-year old country.
"What makes Belgium is that we speak different languages," said Katerin Bauer, a 24 year-old scout leader. "The Flemish don't consider themselves Dutch, the French-speaking don't consider themselves as French and we are not German."
As children followed tradition to walk through the streets singing songs and carrying paper lanterns, some of the German-speaking adults wondered what they would do if Belgium were no more.
"I wouldn't know where I belong anymore. I speak German and live in Wallonia, where shall I go to? To France, Germany, Luxembourg? I would lose my attachment to what I call home," said father Michael Kempen as his children gathered around the traditional bonfire.
The parade's 'Saint Martin', throwing sweets to children as he rode on horseback through the town, offered some seasonal advice to Belgian politicians.
"They should follow the example of Saint Martin. He shared everything," he said.
(Additional reporting by Elaine Codogno; Editing by Sara Ledwith)
