© BELGIUM
In his New Year’s speech to the authorities of our country, King Philip emphasized the importance of democracy. “We know that, although complex, it remains our most valuable asset,” he said.
Tuesday January 30, 2024 at 1:13 PM
This year, exceptionally, the reception for the authorities did not take place in the Royal Palace, but in the Grand Gallery of the Castle of Laeken. “The Queen and I will exceptionally welcome you to Laeken this year because the Royal Palace is undergoing a rejuvenation treatment that will also benefit the image of Brussels and our country,” said King Philip at the start of his New Year’s speech.
The monarch touched on many topics. Europe was one of them. “In the face of a growing number of geopolitical conflicts and tensions around the world, Europe continues to provide a strong foothold, built on the principles of integration and cooperation, not domination,” it said. “I have been able to note how satisfied European leaders are that our country will take over the reins of the Council of the European Union in the next six months. They put their trust in us. Undoubtedly because we are one of the Member States where involvement in the European project is still strong. But also because pragmatism and the search for solutions are our own. It is now up to us, during the Belgian presidency, to show that the European Union is tackling the problems of its citizens and achieving results.”
Elections
But of course the king mainly focused on the elections that await us this year. “There are two important appointments with democracy on the agenda in Belgium this year,” he said, referring to the federal and regional elections. “We are asked to speak out about the future we want for ourselves. This reminds us that in our society everyone can contribute, in their daily lives, in volunteer organizations or in politics. You, who represent the authorities of the country and whose commitment to public affairs I know, you shape and strengthen day after day the framework in which this society can flourish. In order to function and evolve, society needs a state that listens to and supports it. Each of you embodies this state which, in all circumstances, remains the best protector of the common good. I hope that we can unite around ambitious goals and common projects, in which all governments play their role and always strive for unity.”
“We know that our democracy, although complex, remains our most precious asset,” the king continued. “What the state can and must build on to offer citizens an environment in which they can develop and face the future with confidence.”
Challenges
He further expressed his desire to take steps forward in the field of education, to further strengthen the circular economy and to increase social cohesion. “Belgium scores well internationally in terms of equal opportunities. But there is still a lot of insecurity, it is even increasing, partly as a result of the climate and energy crisis. Too many families still live in unhealthy homes that use too much energy and do not have basic amenities, sometimes even without running water. We must put an end to these conditions as quickly as possible.”