In the end, Leopold III had no choice but to abdicate from his throne in favour of his eldest son, Baudouin I . This historic referendum shows that the above mentionned dangers aren't ideal. Even a quite neutral question could cause friction between the two parts. It would be even more dangerous if a question on the very nature of Belgium itself would be put forward in a referendum, for example, by a question regarding federalism or confederalism, or even separatism. Regional Referenda Regional referenda don't solve the problem.
Nothing can stop a group from putting forward a similar question on the regional level.
Moreover, the result of such a referendum may invoke a counter-referendum in the other regions, thus resulting in a de facto national referendum.