A New President

Did you know the Kingdom of Belgium, with over 10 million people, set a world record for the longest period without a government? 541 days. Easily beating Cambodia's record of 353 days without a government. It didn't seem to stop things from going on as usual though.

But that came to an end in December 2011 when a new Prime Minister (President equivalent) was finally sworn in. Elio di Rupo. As you might guess, he was born of Italian immigrants. He lost his father at age one and grew up in poverty. Apparently with the help of a teacher who recognized his talents, he was able to attend university and well, the rest is history.

He is said to have lived the Belgian version of the American dream.

He speaks fluent Italian, French and English. Herein lies the issue with Mr. Di Rupo.

He's the first French-speaking Prime Minister of Belgium in over 30 years and he doesn't speak Dutch (what the majority of Belgians speak). This is a big deal because language is a big deal here.

You won't hear people from the French-speaking part of Belgium speak Dutch. Mostly because they can't.

You won't hear very much French spoken in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium either. Mostly because they can, but won't.

So way back over 30 years ago in 1979, when Mr. Di Rupo began his political career and was first elected to Parliament, he was asked if he was gay. His answer was, "Yes. So what?" And that's how it's been ever since - no big deal.

The real issue here in Belgium and for Mr. Di Rupo is the same as it is most everywhere - the economy. That's what the media here tends to focus on. Well, in addition to him not speaking Dutch. Because that's a big deal here.

He is taking Dutch classes. I wish him veel succes with that and that economy thing. Because that's a big deal.