BELGIUM ELECTIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 May 1936, Page 5

BELGIUM ELECTIONS

SUCCESS OF THE SOCIALISTS NOW THE LARGEST PARTY NEW FASCIST ORGANISATION GAINS 20 SEATS (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 26th May, 9.15 a.m.) BRUSSELS, 24th May. The general election resulted in the Rexists, a new Fascist organisation aiming at reform in political life, gaining 20 seats from the Catholics, formerly the biggest party in the Chamber, in which the Socialists are now the most important, despite losing three seats to the Communists. The results are not yet complete. M. HYMANS DEFEATED BRUSSELS, 25th May. The Socialists obtained 70 seats and are the largest party. The Catholics won 63 seats and lost 16. The Liberals won 23, the Rexists 21, the Flemish National party 16 (gain eight) and the Communists nine (gain six). The Rexists, whose leader is a free lance, M. Degrelle, nicknamed “The Peacock,” demands a clean-up of national politics. Although denounced as Fascists, the party does not possess a militant organisation. M. Hymans was defeated in BrusIt is expected that the historic burgomaster Max will make a sacrifice and resign in his favour. The strength of the parties in the Chamber of Deouties after the 1932 election was: Catholics 79, Socialists 73, Liberals 24, Flemish Nationalists 8, Communists 3.