Belgium poised for world record over operating without government for longest period

BRUSSELS - Belgium could soon become a record holder nation for operating for the longest period of time without a government.

Belgium has been operating without a government since June last year. Coalition talks between the seven parties that won seats in the last general election have failed constantly, and if the politicians do not sort out their differences by February 17, the crisis will last for 250 days, making the country world champion for existing in absence of a government, the Daily Mail reports.

Besides Somalia, only Iraq has surpassed Belgium in not forming a government following democratic elections.

Social networking sites like Facebook have already made a mockery of the prevailing situation in that country. There is even an Internet game called ‘Solve the Belgian Crisis’ in which players bang politicians on the head with hammers to gain points.

The ‘Beards for Belgium’ website has more than 650 members who have signed on to grow their beards until Belgium forms a government, the paper said.

Belgium’s two major parties, the Flemish nationalists and the French speaking socialists, have been at loggerheads for months, and the country might have to call another election if they fail to find common ground in the weeks ahead. (ANI)