Belgium's Political System: Monarchy and Federal Government

Belgium: A Federal Parliamentary Monarchy

Belgium is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, as consolidated on February 17, 1994. The state's origins trace back to 1790, with the independence revolution in 1830 definitively establishing the Belgian State.

In 1831, the enactment of the Constitution established a constitutional monarchy, with Parliament electing Leopold of Saxe-Coburg as the first King. In 1970, the Constitution was amended, introducing three cultural communities: French, Dutch, and German.

The Federal Structure of Government

Between 1970 and 1993, Belgium transitioned into a federal structure. The federal authorities retain powers over finance, the navy, justice, social security, foreign affairs, a significant part of public health, and home affairs. The federal government is responsible for all matters not expressly within the competence of communities and regions, known as the "residual clause."

Belgian Political Institutions

1. The Monarchy: King Albert II

• The Role of the Monarchy

The monarchy's actions, particularly in the political sphere, are discreet yet visible. The King primarily serves as a symbol of national unity and permanence, acting as a moderator in political life through subtle and unobtrusive actions.

• The King's Political Role

The King's role becomes more pronounced after elections when he appoints an "informateur" and then a "formateur" to form the government.

• The Oath

"I swear to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Belgian people, to maintain national independence and territorial integrity."

• Means at the Disposal of the King

The Constitution provides the King with a Civil List, a budget for maintaining royal residences, the operation of his services, personal expenses, etc.

• The King in the New Structure of Government "in the Federal State"

Ministers must endorse all acts of the King and are accountable to the Houses. The King has discretionary power to appoint the Prime Minister and plays an active role in influencing ministers and other political figures. This influence is confidential.

The Prime Minister

Functions of the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister leads the government, presides over the Council of Ministers, represents the government to other major institutions and in international partnerships, and ensures contacts with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Head of Government

The Prime Minister chairs the Council of Ministers and the restricted Cabinet.

The Guarantor of the Institutions

The Prime Minister is the face and voice of the government in relation to major institutions. They may be questioned or challenged by Deputies and Senators on developed policies.

The Prime Minister directs international politics, representing Belgium's political image globally.

Prime Minister of all Belgians

The Prime Minister must present government policy to public opinion and receives representatives of NGOs.

Government Policy

• The federal government's agreement
• The federal government's statement
• The federal policy statement

The federal government's agreement outlines the government's policy. The federal government's statement is followed by a debate in the Chamber for a vote of confidence.

Each year, at the opening of the parliamentary year in early October, the Prime Minister presents the statement of federal policy to the House of Representatives.

Government Formation

After the Elections

After elections, the Prime Minister resigns from his government to the King but remains in office until a new government is formed.

Royal Consultations

The King consults with the chairmen of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the chairmen of the main political parties, to determine the possibilities for forming a new government.

Informateur, Formateur, and Government Agreement

The King appoints an "informateur" to analyze the situation after the elections and then a "formateur," who is tasked with forming a government. If successful, the "formateur" usually becomes the Prime Minister. After negotiations, the King appoints the ministers, who are sworn in by him.

Government Statement

If the House of Representatives votes confidence in the government, it can execute its duties for a maximum period of four years. The formation of the government can take days, weeks, or even months. Different "informateurs" or "formateurs" may be designated.

The Council of Ministers

The King has gradually ceded the Presidency of the Council to the chief of staff, usually the former Prime Minister, without formally renouncing this privilege. The Prime Minister is not appointed as Minister-President.

Composition

The Cabinet consists of 15 members, with an equal number of French-speaking and Dutch-speaking members.

Operation

It is not a decision-making body, as there are no votes.