249 was the number of government-less days to beat. Belgium did it 'flawlessly' and stripped Iraq – yes, Iraq – from that title. The joy! The pride!

I would like to give a little insight to the people that are new to the political problem(s) in this country. It's not an easy task, however, given that entire newspapers, both nationally and internationally have been filled just trying to explain what the problem is. The baseline is: political parties from the Dutch-speaking north, Flanders, and the French-speaking south, Wallonia, remain unable to come to a compromise. It's the 'why' of it all that could, did and will fill entire books. Basically: they don't get along.

At the early elections, back in June last year, the right-wing nationalist claimed victory in Flanders, while the socialist did the same in Wallonia. To form a necessary two-third majority to carry through desired changes, a coalition was needed. At the negotiation table: socialist, nationalists, greens en christian-democrats. That is every major political party from both regions, except for the liberals and the extreme-right. Everyone, even those not remotely interested in politics, could see it coming this government would not be in place soon. A couple of royal informators and negotiators later, the possibility of new elections is coming closer yet again.

Now, the sad thing is that the outcome of those elections would be roughly the same as last time, forcing the current 'partners' to get along either way. The Flemish nationalist will still have the same demands for even more regional responsibilities, hollowing out the country as a whole, while their French-speaking 'colleagues' will still do everything they can not to carry it through. And of course, they are in their constitutional right to do so.

On the more human level, there seem to be a terrifying uprising of nationalists making their 'coming out' and barking at their political opponents and French-speaking fellow countrypeople, repelling each and every solid argument by repeating the same catchphrases and stereotypes over and over again.

The nationalist's 'God' is the nationalist party's president, Bart De Wever, whom they seem to adore and sometimes literally put all their faith in. Phrases as 'Domine dirige nos' (yes, that's Latin) circulate on online forums, referring to the N-VA's president. Meanwhile, in Wallonia, a psychiatrist, professor emeritus at the Université Catholique de Louvain-La-Neuve got sued for calling that same person a 'dominant power hungry egocentric'.

Stepping back from my own personal opinions, it remains the case Belgium has still a 'resigning government' leading the country as well as it possibly could within its limited boundaries. While in other countries measures are still being taken to face economic problems, decreasing national debts where needed and fighting unemployment, those most Belgians have voted for are still debating dots and commas in communal chit chat.

Don't worry, as an international student, you'll barely notice any of this. Enjoy Leuven and discover Belgium. It's a nice, little country.