ABSTRACT
The chapter shows how the Vlaams Belang (VB) and the Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) have constructed their arguments of economic victimisation around the theme of the inter-regional transfers between Flanders and Wallonia. It also highlights how these parties have made a cultural-determinist argument about Flanders’ socio-economic development warranting the rejection of solidarity with Wallonia on the basis of the deservingness criteria of control, attitude and reciprocity. The chapter confirms the existence of sizable inter-regional transfers grown out of the reversal in the economic positions of Flanders and Wallonia, but it also nuances the parties’ arguments. It then points to the peculiarity whereby, despite representing a demographic majority, these two parties have formulated arguments of political marginalisation and explains this with reference to the process of Belgian federalisation.
