Belgium

Back in June of this year, elections were held in that country. No government has been formed, resulting from a stalemate in negotiations between Flemish and Wallonian (Dutch and French speaking, respectively) parties. The winning party has not been able to form a government, so King Albert II has now charged the outgoing prime-minister with forming an interim cabinet. This will take care of current affairs, and implementing constitutional reform.

There is speculation that this could herald the end of Belgium as a nation. It came into existence in 1830, after the southern provinces rose up in rebellion against the Netherlands. Belgium was overrun by its eastern neighbour German in war twice, first in 1914 , latterly in 1940. As reported a week or so ago, strife between the two main language groups has led to violence in the past. Attitudes between the Flemish and Wallonians are deeply entrenched. French-speakers will not admit to understanding Flemish, even if they do. When spoken to in Flemish, a terse "comment?" [what?] is apparently all you're likely to get by way of reply from a Wallonian.