The Election in Belgium After M. Pierlot, the Prime Minister,
had failed to form a new Government on the basis of a Catholic-Socialist coalition, the Belgian Parliament was dissolved on Monday ; no other solution has been found possible for the political crisis which has persisted since M. Spaak resigned on February 9th as a result of the opposition created by the appointment of Dr. Maartens to the Flemish Academy. The elections will take place on April 2nd, and nominations of candidates must be in by March 12th; thus the political parties have little time to prepare for an electoral campaign. This is especially true of the Rexists, who have entirely failed to profit by the political crisis. The question of the elections, however, has been overshadowed by the letter addressed by King Leopold to M. Pierlot immediately after the dissolution was announced. The King protests against the introduction of " unconstitutional " methods into politi- cal life, against dragging the Crown into politics, against the irresponsibility of the politicians The letter has created a profound impression, but it is doubtful if its effect will be beneficial. Owing to the working of proportional repre- sentation, the elections can hardly be expected to transform the political situation; and in the event of the crisis continuing it will be unfortunate if King Leopold's letter diminishes even further the prestige of the political parties and the politicians.
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