As Nohsi’s state visit draws to a close, Flemish debate turns toward foreign policy

BRUSWERP – The Republic of Flanders has long been a nation whose foreign policy focus has for many years been almost exclusively centred almost exclusively towards the Dutch sector. It would therefore have been surprising for a visitor from the past that the first official state visit by a foreign head of state in the country’s 15 years of existence is that of Ashkenatzi’s 16^th Noshi, Herr Moshe Goltz. Yet, ever since the territorial dispute over the Beneluccas (or Skerries, as they were known in Ashkenatza) has been settled by means of dialogue rather than by force, both countries have been enjoying an increasingly strong friendship.

The Nohsi’s started his state visit on the Beneluccas, by opening Ashkenatza’sConsulate-General in Schaarlecht (or Vladiskerrysk, both forms are considered to be official), where he praised Flanders as a stable and honest partner. The former governor of the Ashkenatzi Skerry Isles, Herr Heinz Schvartz, has been instructed to improve transport links and commerce links between Ashkenatza and Flanders. Present as well, the Flemish Minister of Foreign Affairs has expressed his country’s wish for an even closer alliance with the Maroon Republic.

Next stop was Bruswerp, where the Nohsi was invited to address Parliament. The Flanders Gazette deems it fit to publish a large excerpt of his speech, which has been called the high point of Flanders’ XXIst Legislature:

“These stormy seas and bad omens are upon us. Winds of change blow the sails of our ship of state in new directions- and as militarisation increases and the community continues to polarise, I fear the change may be irreversible. His Excellency Foreign Minister remarked in Flanders recently that he wished Ashkenatza a long life. It is a sentiment we appreciate. Activity is scarce, and kind words are scarcer. Given the current lack of activity and goodwill across the sector, I would argue that the nature of any bilateral relationship has now fundamentally changed. We must support eachother with activity, with moral support, and with concrete steps towards further economic and political co-operation. […]It is my firm belief that it is in the interests of my Republic and its people to secure an even stronger partnership with Flanders, significantly increasing military and diplomatic co-operation. Let us examine Apollonia. To the north of Flanders lies the Green, swathes of lawlessness and anarchy. States flicker in and out of existence there- few survive it. Only the coasts of Apollonia are safe, yet they too are now threatened by a pernicious, well-organised, and sly new enemy. The autocrat. To your east, Antica collapses into anarchy. Only the Aryezi have successfully managed to run a stable provisional government as the Shahists declare their intention to bring the once proud Republic under their heel. My Republic will not and cannot allow further Shahist infiltration into the affairs of independent and sovereign states and will offer to them whatever aid they may require to prevent falling down and down into the chasm of autocracy and despotism.

Do not falter. Stand strong, stand stalwart, and tread the path your Republic and its citizens deserve, a path which you have shown the whole world you tread with confidence and pride. The Batavian Gutter Press may sneer. The Shahists may smirk, yet we are proud to walk this path side by side with you, and by the ballots and all which is Maroon we will take other free nations by the hand and lead them down it too. “

As for now, the Nohsi is expected to attend a farewell reception in the Ivory Tower (the office of the Flemish President), whereupon he will be heading home.

Meanwhile, the Flemish electoral campaign has started to address the issue of foreign policy, which had been mostly centred on the cultural identity of the nation, internal reform and on economic issues. Erwin V.H., candidate for the presidency for the League for the Third Repubic (an alliance of regional parties), has expressed his desire for Flanders to seek a   closer alliance with Ashkenatza and Alexandria, including a possible membership of the Council of Free Nations, perhaps starting as an observer or a junior partner with a special status. The other front runner, Koen A., has not yet expressed his position on this specific issue. But his Democrats, which can be seen as the continuation of the yes-side during the controversial recent referendum about a possible integration into Alexandria, is inclined to seek a closer alliance with the Empire, and has expressed his desire to counter West-Cibolan influence, especially in Zeeburg. Together with the Libertarian Party, he has criticised the lack of seriousness of certain unnamed other nations. The League's candidate has distanced himself from these views.

Perhaps surprisingly, even the Union of Erasmi, led by Simon van Erasmus, has stated its support for strong relations with Alexandria and Ashkenatza, but – in sharp contrast to the other parties – has stated that “relations with other countries in the Dutch sector don’t seem to have much sense because of the lack of common ground, except for the language”.

Independent media outlet V.O.N. predicts a narrow victory for Erwin V.H. during the presidential campaign, but a severe loss for his party in the parliamentary elections, held at the same time. In the end, it will be Parliament which will decide the future course of Flemish external policy. The League would lose half of its vote, despite still coming first – but only 1% above the Democrats (30 vs. 29%). The Union of Erasmi, a Beneluccas based regional party, would give  a surprisingly strong performance performance of 19,5%, followed with 11,5% for the Libertarian Party. Finally, the ultraconservative KGF (King, Faith, Federalism) would garner 10% of the vote.