Merkel vs. Leterme

Who are these two? The first one is obvious. Angela Merkel is chancellor of the Federal German Republic and one of the most prominent politiciens in today's Europe. The second is perhaps a bit harder. Would you like to guess? No clue? Let me give you a hint; his name is Yves Leterme. Did that help you? No? Well, he is actually the current Prime minister of the Kingdom of Belgium. Yes, Belgium does have a government and a Prime minister at the moment, but he's not much to brag about. Belgium isn't what it used to be, with strong tensions between the two main communities and ever-reoccuring government crises. On top of this the PM knows neither why they celebrate their national holiday noor their national anthem - he thinks its La Marseillaise.

So why do I even bother to compare the wannebe-head of government of a country falling apart with the leader of the economic engine of Europe? As mentioned in earlier posts, Merkel was to hold the opening speech her at the College of Europe some weeks ago, but the financial crisis forced her to cancel. The other day her replacement was announced. The official opening of the academic year will take place on the 18th of November, just a week before the exams start, and the opening speech will be held by no-one but...Yves Leterme.