's-Gravenvoeren

In politically calm moments, Voeren remains an oasis of peace. But that has not always been the case. In 1977, the six Voerdorpen were merged into the municipality of Voeren. Before that, they had already been assigned to the northern part of the language border in 1962. The fuse was lit in 1979-1980 when members of the Flemish Language Action Committee (TAK) came to demonstrate their Flemish right to be present while walking. The ball starts rolling: a Liège café owner in 's-Gravenvoeren opens fire on several Flemish Voerenaars.
In 1982, José "Retour à Liège" Happart wakes up: in the municipal elections, he collects 869 of the 2082 valid votes. The following year, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nothomb nominates Happart for mayor. However, Happart refuses to take the Dutch exam and has to resign. In the same year, Happart achieves a monstrous score in the European elections, and although he is no longer mayor of Voeren, he keeps the reins behind the scenes. On October 15, 1987, the Martens VI government falls over Voeren. In the municipal elections in 1994, the Flemish win one seat less than the Francophones. Happart demands compensation for his non-appointment as mayor. The government conjures up a compromise: a new Dutch-speaking mayor will be appointed, and the Francophone Voerenaars will receive antennas, support points from the Walloon Region and the French Community.

Lannoo