In his Christmas address, King Philippe focussed on the "power of hope" to confront the "dark times" experienced in 2023 – a year marked by international conflict with wars in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, and "unprecedented" violence in the Middle-East.
"Our thoughts are with the countless victims of unbearable acts of terrorism and war," he said in his end-of-year address broadcast on national television and radio channels. The King praised Belgium as a society "fully living its interculturalism" in which people of all origins and beliefs shape a shared future. However, he regretted that "violence due to exclusion, discrimination, and racism still persists in our society."
King Philippe also warned that other forms of violence – namely online hate speech, domestic abuse, and sexual assault – remain present throughout society.
Looking further afield, the King said "Violence breeds fear, it feeds anxiety and a feeling of powerlessness in the face of an uncertain future," referring to geopolitical shifts, the vulnerability of our democracies, and climate challenge.
A power for action
Not to linger on these grim realities, the King then spoke of "the power of hope", which he called a "life-giving force" that can dispel "the fear and anxiety that discourages and paralyses, even leads to violence."
He explained that hope is not a flimsy sentiment or passive optimism. "It’s an energy we draw from within ourselves, amplified by those who are actively striving for a better world." Seeking to inspire action, King Philippe said that hope propels us forward on a path lit by those who believe in democracy, the constructive power of nuance, listening, dialogue, and respect for others.
Among those who received particular praise were "Those who work towards social justice and peace" and those who "deliver the benefits of science and technology solutions – specifically for the energy transition." He also spoke to the next generation, wishing that future Belgians have the chance "to build a better future."
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The King emphasised that "our response to the challenges of our world will espouse a spirit of cooperation not division, and the pursuit of common goods: a sustainable world and an inclusive society." He assured that the two go hand in hand.
"For the King, everyone can, to the best of their abilities, contribute to a virtuous cycle that brings people together, thereby addressing the future realistically and fearlessly."
To conclude, he conveyed his and his family’s best wishes for this festive season, stating, "Alongside my wife, Queen Mathilde, our children and my entire family, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year."
