• 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.
Answers
No, 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.
The Brussels government has support from both French- and Dutch-speaking people which shows that both the groups respect each other's rights. 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.
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.