Antwerp, Belgium
An extreme-right party, Vlaams Belang, took 20 percent of the vote in local elections in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of northern Belgium. The Flemish party, which is against immigration and supports independence for Flanders, emerged just two years ago, after its predecessor party, Vlaams Blok, was disbanded by the courts for “inciting racial hatred.” Party leaders said they were pleased that they had achieved such a significant presence in a short time. Centrist and leftist parties said they were not alarmed by Vlaams Belang’s gains. They pointed out that in Flanders’ main city, Antwerp, traditionally a far-right stronghold, Vlaams Belang actually lost ground, taking second place to the Socialists.
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