We're Number One

We're Number One Government talks break world record

It may, as all serious commentators agree, be no laughing matter, but last week Flemings took the news that Belgium is now the world record holder for the longest period without a (federal) government in good spirits, with playful and self-mocking actions across the region.

Thursday, 17 February, marked the date when negotiations to form a new government reached 249 days, equalling the time taken for the factions in Iraq to agree last year.

The biggest party took place in Ghent on the Sint-Jacobsplein and the adjoining Vlasmarkt, which attracted about 10,000 people. The programme included musicians, comedians, free frieten and a ceremonial handing over of the official world record from "Iraqi diplomats" (see this week's Face of Flanders).

The record celebrations attracted the attention of more foreign media: ZDF in Germany meditated on what might happen to the German- speaking community if Belgium falls apart. Would it stay with Wallonia, join Luxembourg or become part of Germany? The correspondent for Dutch broadcaster NOS imagined Flanders attaching itself to the Netherlands, which "would not be too bad," he said. French TV station TF1 reported "la revolution des frites" was a protest against separatism and for a unified Belgium.

At home, daily paper De Standaard saw the funny side: "Finally world champions" read the front page. De Morgen took the opposite view: "The Sorrow of Belgium", and others agreed. Financial daily De Tijd: "Indifference rules the land". Het Laatste Nieuws: "249 Days and nothing in sight". Het Nieuwsblad: "The record of shame".

Belgium's other world records
The tallest tower of sugar-cubes, built in Zoersel in November 2009 by Paul Van den Nieuwenhof

The longest washing line, measuring over 35 km, was strung out on the beach in Wenduine in August 2007 by Proctor & Gamble

The largest whisky-tasting took place in Ghent in January 2009, with 2,252 guests

The largest audience for a tennis match, 35,681 spectators, watched Kim Clijsters beat Serena Williams in an exhibition match at the Koning Boudewijn stadium in Brussels in July 2010

The biggest champagne fountain was built in Wijnegem shopping centre in January 2008, using 43,680 glasses stacked up in 63 levels

If you can't form a government in 249 days, what can you do?

Produce €230 billion in goods and services

Consume 662 cups of coffee, 55 litres of beer and 27 bottles of wine per person

Recover from six consecutive fractures of a leg or an arm

Get over a broken relationship (for 40% of people)

Almost bring a pregnancy to term, unless you're a hamster, when you've time for 15 litters

Orbit the Earth in the International Space Station about 4,000 times