Belgian Flemish right-wing party (N-VA) president Bart De Wever celebrates on stage during Belgium’s local elections at Zuiderkroon theatre in Antwerp on October 14, 2012. (Reuters / Yves Herman)
Separatists in Belgium are looking to gain control of the wealthy port of Antwerp as early results suggest a Flemish nationalist leader is the city’s new mayor. It comes amid an intensifying trend of secessionism in crisis-hit Europe.
With almost all the votes counted, Flemish Nationalist Party leader Bart De Wever is way ahead of his rival, Socialist Mayor Patrick Janssens.
“We want to give Flemings the government they want at all levels,” De Wever said as his advantage became evident.
De Wever called on Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo and the country’s francophone politicians to “take up their responsibility” and give more rights of self-rule to Flanders.
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