Question 4:
The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on
speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch
speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping
with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about
50 words.
Answer:
This measure is not in keeping with Belgium’s power sharing arrangements. The
arrangements seek to maintain peace between the French and Dutch-speaking
communities. By banning French, the mayor will cause civil unrest. Both the
languages should be made acceptable in the town’s schools. This bilingual education
system will be a better way to integrate the people of the town.
