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Belgium

VIDEO: King Philippe of Belgium talks about injustice, poverty and exclusion in Christmas Eve broadcast

The King of Belgium has taken about how we must not remain indifferent to injustice, poverty and exclusion in his annual Christmas Eve broadcast.

In his address to the nation, King Philippe said: “We know… the challenges we face: for our society, for the planet.

“We keep saying they need to be tackled urgently. And for the most part we also know what the solutions are. The question is how we can turn it into concrete action.”

The monarch continued, saying that we must all change our attitudes, adding: “We must not give up.”

The King of Belgium’s Christmas Speech in full:

Ladies and gentlemen,

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are a time of joy for most of us. A time of warm weather. The Queen and I are happy for those who can share those moments of true happiness with their loved ones. But we also think of the people for whom the suffering or the loneliness during the holidays weigh even more. And we are grateful for those who put their heart and soul into supporting them and giving them courage.

We are experiencing a hinge period. Our socio-economic model and our approach to the environment are being questioned. Many of us lose their footing like that. That is why we must not stand aside, less than ever. This is not the time to give up.

We know them very well, the challenges we face: for our society, for the planet. We keep saying they need to be tackled urgently. And for the most part we also know what the solutions are. The question is how we can turn it into concrete action.

Everything is a matter of attitude.

To change things, you first have to believe in it and act accordingly. We are all responsible for our actions. Our behavior also has consequences for the others. We need to realize that better. Let us not give in to short-term trading. And go for the long term. For solutions, of which we may not be able to reap the benefits ourselves – but which will benefit the next generations.

You must also want to see and hear. We cannot remain indifferent to injustice, poverty, exclusion. Or against the violence that surrounds us in many forms: hidden within the family, creeping into the abuse of alcohol and drugs, especially among young people, false in gossip and malicious speech, but also clearly visible in words that condemn or in a destructive gesture.

Let us also be aware of our collective strength. The power of all who do not resign themselves to things as they are. And also that silent power that lies in the discreet but effective action of all our fellow citizens who are committed to a more human society.

Finally – to build on all the energy and creativity that lives in the country, we need a constructive attitude that unites us around common projects.

It is essential, however, that a fully-fledged federal government be formed as quickly as possible, able to take balanced decisions, to be supported in a united and steadfast way. That is what we all expect now.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Ultimately we get the future we believe in ourselves.

For her eighteenth birthday, our daughter Elisabeth and her peers expressed their faith in the future. We then heard astute young people who want to fully commit themselves.

With them, I believe in the enormous potential of our country, in our joint capacity to face the challenges ahead. Provided that we join forces and bring unity to diversity, with respect for everyone’s conviction.

The Queen and I wish you a beautiful Christmas and a happy new year.