Flanders: Difference between revisions
Erwin V.H. (talk | contribs) on the senate |
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Major political themes during this area included discussions about the powers of the president, as well as the question of what should be the status of the Dutch language - the latter being a perhaps unintended parallel with the macronational entity with the same name. Initially, Flanders had two official languages, Dutch and English, with English being the language of law and politics. This situation was soon to be criticised, resulting first in Dutch being upgraded to the same level as English, and in the end to be declared the sole official language - partially because. As to the first question: the Flemish president initially had a very powerful political position, but this was gradually eroded by successive constitutional reforms, resulting in a presidency that was de facto largely ceremonial, with some remaining judicial functions. During that later period, executive power was essentially vested with the Chancellor.<br> | Major political themes during this area included discussions about the powers of the president, as well as the question of what should be the status of the Dutch language - the latter being a perhaps unintended parallel with the macronational entity with the same name. Initially, Flanders had two official languages, Dutch and English, with English being the language of law and politics. This situation was soon to be criticised, resulting first in Dutch being upgraded to the same level as English, and in the end to be declared the sole official language - partially because. As to the first question: the Flemish president initially had a very powerful political position, but this was gradually eroded by successive constitutional reforms, resulting in a presidency that was de facto largely ceremonial, with some remaining judicial functions. During that later period, executive power was essentially vested with the Chancellor.<br> | ||
One structural characteristic of the First Republic, was that its name attracted a lot of real life Flemish nationalists, from all sides of the political spectrum. Although the Republic would never think or present itself as a seccessionist organisation or claim to represent real life Flanders, it is fair to say that this often defined the political atmosphere and was by many perceived as at least ambiguous. This became a burden in the the intermicronational relations of the country, as this ambiguity lead it to being rejected as a member of the [[United Virtual Nations Organization]] (UVNO) in 2001. Similarely, the refusal by the [[LoSS]] to admit it as a member was caused by the Republic's image as being linked to Flemish separatism; it is important in that regard to note that the league's secretary-general was [[Thomas Leys]], a real life Belgian.<br> | One structural characteristic of the First Republic, was that its name attracted a lot of real life Flemish nationalists, from all sides of the political spectrum. Although the Republic would never think or present itself as a seccessionist organisation or claim to represent real life Flanders, it is fair to say that this often defined the political atmosphere and was by many perceived as at least ambiguous. This became a burden in the the intermicronational relations of the country, as this ambiguity lead it to being rejected as a member of the [[United Virtual Nations Organization]] (UVNO) in 2001. Similarely, the refusal by the [[LoSS]] to admit it as a member was caused by the Republic's image as being linked to Flemish separatism; it is important in that regard to note that the league's secretary-general was [[Thomas Leys]], a real life Belgian.<br> | ||
The politically most active period of the First Republic was probably from late 1999 till 2001, with a heavy polarisation, during which the Geens' conservative VND, the party generally associated with power, was very much the punching ball of the opposition. This is also the period during which Flanders witnessed the only grave treath to its national security, when in February 2000, the German speaking [[Free State of KLE]] (''Freistaat KLE'') showed signs of planning to hack Flanders' infrastructure, after (intentionaly?) misinterpreting some declarations by a Flemish opposition leader on their forums. The threat quickly dissipated, when KLE simply lost interest and focussed on yet another victim. Nevertheless, this lead to the creation of the Flemish Defense Unit (''Vlaamse Defensie-Eenheid''), Flanders' only official military, essentially intended to be prevent hacking, flooding, etc...<br> | |||
[...]<br> | [...]<br> | ||
A final attempt to boost activity was made at the instigation of the relative newcomer, [[Ken Avonts]], with the Open Flemish Convention (''Open Vlaamse Conventie'' or OVC), whereby all citizens were invited to re-discuss the fundamentals of the Republic. However, despite some initial debate, the OVC didn't amount to anything, and slowly died out, and the First Republic with it. A final attempt at revival was made when [[Ben Veraart]] attempted a (failed) military coup on March 11th, 2003 - the date conventionally considered to be the last day of the First Republic. | A final attempt to boost activity was made at the instigation of the relative newcomer, [[Ken Avonts]], with the Open Flemish Convention (''Open Vlaamse Conventie'' or OVC), whereby all citizens were invited to re-discuss the fundamentals of the Republic. However, despite some initial debate, the OVC didn't amount to anything, and slowly died out, and the First Republic with it. A final attempt at revival was made when [[Ben Veraart]] attempted a (failed) military coup on March 11th, 2003 - the date conventionally considered to be the last day of the First Republic. | ||
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Finally, on October 2nd, 2004, the Second Republic was officially born. It was given a provisional charter, providing for a Citizen's Forum (''Burgerforum''), composed of al citizens, to act as a provisional legislative body. Erwin V.H. was appointed Provisional Head of State, and chose Thoma as his deputy.<br> | Finally, on October 2nd, 2004, the Second Republic was officially born. It was given a provisional charter, providing for a Citizen's Forum (''Burgerforum''), composed of al citizens, to act as a provisional legislative body. Erwin V.H. was appointed Provisional Head of State, and chose Thoma as his deputy.<br> | ||
The Citizen's Forum quicky came up with a constitution, in which the contribution of the nation's founder Gert Geens should be noted. Strikingly, the constitution clearly defined the nation as purely micronational and explicetly rejected any ties with macronational facts or events - a conscious act to avoid the confusion of the First Republic. The constitution also provided for the instutional framework, which still is in place today and is described in the next chapter.<br> | The Citizen's Forum quicky came up with a constitution, in which the contribution of the nation's founder Gert Geens should be noted. Strikingly, the constitution clearly defined the nation as purely micronational and explicetly rejected any ties with macronational facts or events - a conscious act to avoid the confusion of the First Republic. The constitution also provided for the instutional framework, which still is in place today and is described in the next chapter.<br> | ||
Both the first presidential as well as the first parliamentary elections were won by the Social-Conservative Union [[''Sociaal-Conservatieve Unie'' or SCU). | Both the first presidential as well as the first parliamentary elections were won by the Social-Conservative Union [[''Sociaal-Conservatieve Unie'' or SCU).<br> | ||
[...]<br> | |||
During the course of 2005, the activity level of [[Mayo]] dropped significantly, because of which its founder (and forum host) [[Joxin Diez]] came to the conclusion that it could only survive as part of a larger entity. In December of that year, Flanders, Mayo and [[Charlotta]] joined the [[Low Lands Confederation]] (''Confederatie der Lage Landen''), which in practice also meant that Mayo and Charlotta were now hosted on the forum of the then strongest nation of the three: Flanders. (It should be noted that Mayo was already hosted on the Flemish forum for some time, because the nation's webhosting had expired.) The confederation soon succumbed to difficulties, a fact partially related to the ongoing loss of activity of Mayo and Charlotta and their loss of identity, as well as to institutional difficulties. Flanders ended the Confederation, which led to the final disappearance of Mayo. The Confederation was not without legacy, as it did enable Flanders to absorb (most of) the remaining active Mayoan and Charlottan citizens. Because of this, Flanders once more held the monopoly on Dutch micronationalism, but this situation was short-lived, since Batavia was founded on February 6th, 2006. | |||
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*[http://vrvlaanderen.wordpress.com/english Foreign Office] (''English'') | *[http://vrvlaanderen.wordpress.com/english Foreign Office] (''English'') | ||
*[http://vlaanderen.micronatie.nl/forum/index.php Official boards] (''Dutch'') | *[http://vlaanderen.micronatie.nl/forum/index.php Official boards] (''Dutch'') | ||
*[http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=235137841033&ref=ts] (''Dutch'') | *[http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=235137841033&ref=ts Facebook group] (''Dutch'') | ||
Revision as of 21:57, 1 September 2010
 | |
| Official language | Dutch |
|---|---|
| Capital | Bruswerp |
| Largest cities | Ambetanterrijk |
| Website | Flanders website |
| Forum | Flanders forums |
| Number of citizens | 21 |
| Number of active citizens | 14 |
| Date founded |
November 29, 1997 1997-2003 (First Republic) 2004— (Second Republic) |
| Government | Presidential Republic |
| Current leader | President M. Mattiassen |
| Currency | Flemish Ducat (VDK) |
| National animal | Lion |
| National fruit/food | / |
| National drink | / |
 | |
| Map versions | 13.9.7- Present |
The Republic of Flanders (Republiek Vlaanderen) or, in full, the Second Democratic Republic of Flanders (Tweede Democratische Republiek Vlaanderen) is a Dutch micronation that was founded November 29, 1997 by Gert Geens. In colloquial speech, it is often referred to as VRV.
After an hiatus between 2003 and 2004, the republic was refounded as the Second Democratic Republic of Flanders on October 2, 2004. It was the first Dutch speaking micronation, and is currently the oldest in continuing existence.
History
Flanders was founded on November 29th, 1997 by Gert Geens, with himself as first president. It would remain in continuing existence for over five years. This period is called the First Republic.
Major political themes during this area included discussions about the powers of the president, as well as the question of what should be the status of the Dutch language - the latter being a perhaps unintended parallel with the macronational entity with the same name. Initially, Flanders had two official languages, Dutch and English, with English being the language of law and politics. This situation was soon to be criticised, resulting first in Dutch being upgraded to the same level as English, and in the end to be declared the sole official language - partially because. As to the first question: the Flemish president initially had a very powerful political position, but this was gradually eroded by successive constitutional reforms, resulting in a presidency that was de facto largely ceremonial, with some remaining judicial functions. During that later period, executive power was essentially vested with the Chancellor.
One structural characteristic of the First Republic, was that its name attracted a lot of real life Flemish nationalists, from all sides of the political spectrum. Although the Republic would never think or present itself as a seccessionist organisation or claim to represent real life Flanders, it is fair to say that this often defined the political atmosphere and was by many perceived as at least ambiguous. This became a burden in the the intermicronational relations of the country, as this ambiguity lead it to being rejected as a member of the United Virtual Nations Organization (UVNO) in 2001. Similarely, the refusal by the LoSS to admit it as a member was caused by the Republic's image as being linked to Flemish separatism; it is important in that regard to note that the league's secretary-general was Thomas Leys, a real life Belgian.
The politically most active period of the First Republic was probably from late 1999 till 2001, with a heavy polarisation, during which the Geens' conservative VND, the party generally associated with power, was very much the punching ball of the opposition. This is also the period during which Flanders witnessed the only grave treath to its national security, when in February 2000, the German speaking Free State of KLE (Freistaat KLE) showed signs of planning to hack Flanders' infrastructure, after (intentionaly?) misinterpreting some declarations by a Flemish opposition leader on their forums. The threat quickly dissipated, when KLE simply lost interest and focussed on yet another victim. Nevertheless, this lead to the creation of the Flemish Defense Unit (Vlaamse Defensie-Eenheid), Flanders' only official military, essentially intended to be prevent hacking, flooding, etc...
[...]
A final attempt to boost activity was made at the instigation of the relative newcomer, Ken Avonts, with the Open Flemish Convention (Open Vlaamse Conventie or OVC), whereby all citizens were invited to re-discuss the fundamentals of the Republic. However, despite some initial debate, the OVC didn't amount to anything, and slowly died out, and the First Republic with it. A final attempt at revival was made when Ben Veraart attempted a (failed) military coup on March 11th, 2003 - the date conventionally considered to be the last day of the First Republic.
In the summer of 2004, former Chancellor Erwin V.H. took down the Republic's website, leaving only the message that the Republic had ceased to exist. Much too his surprise, he was soon contacted by former MP Wolfgang Thoma. After some discussion, they contacted as many former citizens as they could, to discuss a possible revival. A month of intensive mail discussion followed, about the exact way to re-launch the Republic but also about ways of preventing citizenship fraud. It is during this period that the typically Flemish distinction between Confirmed and Unconfirmed Citizens arose - the former being citizens whose existence has been confirmed by three (latert two) other Confirmed Citizens and who have more votes during election time. This feature has continued to exist, partly enhanced by the threat of communist infiltration during the Micronational Cold War; the discrepancy between the numer of votes between Confirmed and Unconfirmed Citizens has diminished, though.
Finally, on October 2nd, 2004, the Second Republic was officially born. It was given a provisional charter, providing for a Citizen's Forum (Burgerforum), composed of al citizens, to act as a provisional legislative body. Erwin V.H. was appointed Provisional Head of State, and chose Thoma as his deputy.
The Citizen's Forum quicky came up with a constitution, in which the contribution of the nation's founder Gert Geens should be noted. Strikingly, the constitution clearly defined the nation as purely micronational and explicetly rejected any ties with macronational facts or events - a conscious act to avoid the confusion of the First Republic. The constitution also provided for the instutional framework, which still is in place today and is described in the next chapter.
Both the first presidential as well as the first parliamentary elections were won by the Social-Conservative Union [[Sociaal-Conservatieve Unie or SCU).
[...]
During the course of 2005, the activity level of Mayo dropped significantly, because of which its founder (and forum host) Joxin Diez came to the conclusion that it could only survive as part of a larger entity. In December of that year, Flanders, Mayo and Charlotta joined the Low Lands Confederation (Confederatie der Lage Landen), which in practice also meant that Mayo and Charlotta were now hosted on the forum of the then strongest nation of the three: Flanders. (It should be noted that Mayo was already hosted on the Flemish forum for some time, because the nation's webhosting had expired.) The confederation soon succumbed to difficulties, a fact partially related to the ongoing loss of activity of Mayo and Charlotta and their loss of identity, as well as to institutional difficulties. Flanders ended the Confederation, which led to the final disappearance of Mayo. The Confederation was not without legacy, as it did enable Flanders to absorb (most of) the remaining active Mayoan and Charlottan citizens. Because of this, Flanders once more held the monopoly on Dutch micronationalism, but this situation was short-lived, since Batavia was founded on February 6th, 2006.
Institutional system
Flanders has a presidential system of governement. The Parliament (Vlaams Parlement) represents the legislative power and is elected by the people every four months. The executive power is represented by the President and the government (Vlaamse Regering), who reside in the Ivory Tower. Every eight months, the President is directly elected by the people. The members of the judicial power (Rechtbank) are nominated by the President and approved by the Parliament. Additionally, there is a body called the Senaat (Senaat), which, despite its name, is not part of the legislative branch, but essentially functions as a judicial back-up and is composed of at most seven senior statesmen, appointed for life by Parliament at suggestion of the President.
Presidents of Flanders
November 29th, 1997 till December 14th, 1998: Gert Geens
December 15th, 1998 till October 25th, 1999: Jan Van Eynde
October 26th, 1999 till August 25th, 2000: Gert Geens
August 26th, 2000 till February 10th, 2001: Fran Cooman
February 14th, 2001 till May 6th, 2002: Steven Burvenich
May 6th, 2002 till April 11th, 2003: Kevin De Mulder
April 11th, 2003 till October 2nd, 2004: hiatus
October 2nd, 2004 till January 13th, 2005: Erwin V.H. (as Temporary Head of State)
January 14th, 2005 till July 13th, 2007: Evert De Smet
July 14th, 2005 till November 14th, 2006: Erwin V.H.
November 14th, 2006 till April 18th, 2008: Bert P.
April 19th, 2008 till March 14th, 2009: Gert Geens
March 15th, 2009 till September 11th, 2009: Hieronymus Erasmus
September 12th, 2009 till January 31th, 2010: Mateo Mattiassen
February 1st, 2010 till July 2nd, 2010: Petrvs Fidelis
July 3rd, 2010 till August 7th, 2010: Nick Asselberghs
August 8th, 2010-current: Mateo Mattiassen
Currently, 28 out of 50 seats in Parliament are held by independent members, and 22 by the Socialist Party. The monarchist and federalist KGF (King, Faith and Federalism) of former president Petrvs Fidelis did not gain enough support to enter Parliament.
Flanders has a civil legal system. Law arises primarily from written acts and regulations; the judicial power is not to make law, but merely to interpret it. The laws of Flanders are codified in the Offical Journal (Staatsblad).
Geography
After long hesitations, Flanders acquired territory on Micras on August 27th, 2009. By law of June 18th, 2010, the territory has been divided into two provinces (gouwen): the Province of Ambetanterijk and the Bruswerpian Capital Province, hosting the national capital of Bruswerp (Bruswerpen). However, these provinces are for historical and cultural purposes only; no powers have been devolved upon them. Additionally, president Petrvs Fidelis has attempted to create another subdivision, the "Autonomous Heterodox Area of the Praised and Holy Saint Kalmoetza", to be administered by the Heterodox Church, of which he himself is the patriarch. This was, however, struck down by Parliament.
Economy
The Republic of Flanders has an isolated economy. The banking infrastructure runs on the phpbanking-technology of Sander Dieleman. The official valuta of Flanders is the Flemish ducate (VDK). A total of 1.000.000 Flemish ducates were minted, though only half of them are in circulation.
Civil servants receive a salary from the Departement of Finance, ranging from a 50 (vice-president of the Parliament) to 250 ducates (President) per month.
Religion
According to article 4 of the its constitution, Flanders does not recognise any religious or philosophical doctrine as its state doctrine. Religion only has a minor role in the country's politics. The two main religions are catologism and heterodoxy.
The Flemish Catological Church has been in communion with its Batavian counterpart since the First United Concilium in 2009. Central to its doctrine that sins are praiseworthy, as they allows sinners to buy indulgences from the Church. Since the murder of the church founder, the Prophet and Successor of Cato Hieronymus Erasmus, the Church has been lead by Pope Erwin I. Presumably because both the church's founder as well as its pope are former Flemish presidents, their colleague Gert Geens once called 'the official state joke'.
Secondly and perhaps more seriously, there is the Flemish Heterodox Church, which holds a 'soft polytheistic' creed and describes its doctrine as 'fundamentalist syncretism', in that sence that its faithfull are obliged to simultanously adhere to another religion - any religion, as long as it isn't catologism. The church is headed by Patriarch Petrvs I, who also heads the KGF, a minor political party which, amongst other things, proposes making heterodoxy the country's official religion.
International relations
As of August 25, 2010, the Republic of Flanders maintains diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Batavia, the Empire of Alexandrians, the Republic of Antica, the High Realm of Stormark, the Royal Kingdom of Gotzborg, le Saint-Empire Avarois and the Kingdom of Babkha.
The Republic of Flanders is currently not a member of any inter- or supramicronational organisations. In the past, Flanders was a member of the Low Lands Confederation (confederation between Flanders, Mayo and Charlotta), the Universities Association (with Mayo) and the Dutch Treaty Organisation (with Batavia and the Republic of the Netherlands).
Links
- Official website (Dutch)
- Foreign Office (English)
- Official boards (Dutch)
- Facebook group (Dutch)
