Ghent to celebrate unusual record
15/02/2011
Belgium to supplant Iraq as country with the longest government formation
On Thursday (17/12/2011) a huge festival is to take place in Ghent to celebrate Belgium’s breaking of the world record for the longest government formation. A huge stage will be built for the occasion at Sint-Jacobsplein.
A group of friends announced as much on Facebook a few weeks ago. It is not a joke; the festival is really going to be held.
The organisers emphasise that they have no political affiliations; their purpose is only to bring attention to this amazing collective performance by Belgium’s politicians. All Belgians are invited to Sint-Jacobsplein in Ghent to honour their political ‘heroes’.
The festivities will commence at 7.00 p.m. A stage will be built for the occasion, but so far no hints have been given as to who will perform.
“We want people to come and honour their political heroes, not their favourite musicians,” explains Angelo Meuleman, one of the organisers. Alongside the performances, various brass bands will also be present on the square to liven up the atmosphere.
The great climax will happen at midnight, when Belgium will complement its current European record with the world record for the longest ever government formation (this record presently belongs to Iraq). The organisers want everybody on the square to count down to that significant moment.
They are preparing a special stunt to mark the occasion: they claim they are negotiating with the Department of Immigration to arrange visas for an Iraqi delegation, “so that the Longest Government Formation Challenge Cup can change hands that very night”.
They are expecting a huge turnout, so people are advised to leave their cars at the edge of town and travel to the square by tram and bus. If you want to take part in this event you are advised to arrive on time; the square will be closed to newcomers from 5.00 p.m.
(Source: De Gentenaar, http://www.nieuwsblad.be/article/detail.aspx?articleid=DMF20110214_103)
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