Only Dutch allowed at Merchtem market

25 October 2005

BRUSSELS — The municipal council in Merchtem agreed on Monday night that traders at the Wednesday market may only use the Dutch language.

It means any posters or signs used at the market must now be written in Dutch.

Currently, several traders are using French or Arabic text, Flemish daily newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported on Tuesday.

Anyone found in breach of the law will be forced to close their stall.

A second breach will result in a one-year ban on a trader selling goods at the market.

In a linguistically divided nation, Merchtem hopes the language ban will help prevent the Frenchifying of the municipality.

Subject: Belgian news