Internet auction website eBay on Monday withdrew an unusual second-hand sale item, the country of Belgium, which had attracted an offer of 10 million euros (13.9 million dollars).
"Belgium, a kingdom in three parts" was posted on the Belgian ebay site as offering "plenty of choice" despite the caveat that it comes with "300 billion of National Debt."
Offered in three parts - Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia - the accompanying blurb said the kingdom "can be bought as a whole (not recommended)."
The vendor also included as added extras "the king and his court (costs not included)."
Ebay spokesman Peter Burin said the site could not host the sale of anything virtual or "unrealistic."
The 'vendor' was named as a former journalist, Gerrit Six. Offering his lot at an initial price of one euro, he saw 26 subsequent bids culminating in the 10 million euro offer on Monday before the auction was halted.
1 comment:
Hey I'm belgian. This auction make me laugh a lot. In fact, you must know that Belgium is actually living it's biggest crisis since a long time. The country isn't able to form a new government since latest election in June. Flamish and french speaking citizens are unable to agree over the futur of the country. The first would like the separation of Belgium when the second are attached to the country and its monarchy. We are in big trouble right now. And we don't know what to do with Brusseles (Wich is an independant capital but in flamish territory). It is probable that the country will not survive this crisis and that's bad. Make me sad! So it's relatively ironic from the journalist. He wanted to impact the conscious of everyone here in Belgium. Few month ago the national french TV make also a fiction evening news announcing that the flamish had declare their independance. It was quite funny but aalso alarming. Chek this:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xstqt_rtbf-belgique-secession
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