Carlo Van Baelen had poured his experience and vision into twelve Twitter messages, each aimed at specific players in the literary field. He was visibly moved by the audience's standing ovation following the laudatory speech by Joris Gerits, a former chairman of the FLF,
Koen Van Bockstal's maiden speech sought a balance between continuity and innovation. What is good should remain good, he said. He also set himself the task of further expanding the FLF into a house of trust where anyone involved professionally in literature is welcome. Also noteworthy were his ardent plea for reinforcing social support for literature through broad cultural diversity and the explicit request for attention to be devoted to the weaker members and minority groups in society through literature.
© photograph Linda Torfs
