... It reminds me to a discussion on the muslim woman picture where the lack of universal recognition was an argument against sound street photography, does this count for this as well?...
No, it doesn't count as well. There was absolutely no lack of universal recognition in your Muslim woman picture. Just someone who pretended they didn't recognize it in order not to cede the point.
As for the OP image, in spite of Rob's explanation, one doesn't have to be a connoisseur of Scottish School of street photography, if such a thing exists, to appreciate the image. It might add some extra layer of significance to someone from Scotland, but it certainly works on a universal level just as well.
Who doesn't appreciate finding a quiet, secluded, warm spot in the sun, with a cold beer and a newspaper? The choice of drink and reading medium might depend on the continent and culture, but the essence is the same.
There are strong graphical elements in the image. From the well-positioned beer against the dark background, to intricate details on the columns, framing the image.
But there is a twist: the burst of unexpected color, adding to the ambiguity of who is the reader. Gay, or straight enough to have a full confidence in his sexuality? Or just a rebel. Young or old (I'd go for old, who else would read a newspaper?).
All these elements, cultural, graphic, color-wise, compositional, form a picture that, like comfort food, resonates with many.
What is surprising is that you, The King of Banal, do not see anything in the image. Then again, it is not banal, so there is that, I guess. Even more surprising is that a Belgian does not see anything in it. One of my little pleasures while in Brussels was exactly that: finding a sunny spot on the main plaza, ordering a beer, enjoying its backlit golden glow, reading a paper, surrounded by the classical architecture, similar to the one in the image.
Cheers!