Lonan3 Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 Okay, the Brabanconne (song of Brabant) has three versions in the three national languages, French, Flemish and German, which all have different English translations. You would expect, however, that the Prime Minister of the country would know at least one of them! Times Article Yves Leterme has not yet been officially sworn in but has already lost the confidence of half his country after reciting the opening lines of the Marseillaise - the French anthem - when asked if he knew the words to his country’s national song. Belgium’s francophone newspapers today likened the gaffe to Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President, breaking into “God Save the Queen” on Bastille Day. To add insult to injury, Mr Leterme then failed to give the correct reason behind the choice of June 21 for Belgium’s National Day. “The proclamation of the constitution,” he said confidently, only to be reminded it was in fact the day that Leopold I became the King of the Belgians in 1831. Wow! He really is off to a flyer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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