Belgium’s Federal Parliament, Regions, and Communities

Posted on Feb 16, 2025 in Economic Sciences

Federal Parliament of Belgium

Composition

The Federal Parliament is composed of two chambers:

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has 150 deputies directly elected by universal suffrage using a proportional electoral system. The right to vote is granted to those over 18 years of age, and the right to stand for election to those over 21 years of age. Political parties tend to form coalitions. The most important parties are:

  • The Christian Social Party
  • The Belgian Socialist Party
  • The Party of Freedom and Progress

The Senate

The Senate comprises 71 members: 40 senators are directly elected by the people, 21 senators are appointed by the communities, and 10 senators are elected by the former senators.

It should also be noted that the King’s sons, upon reaching the age of 18, have the right of senators.

Functions

The functions of the two chambers are the same, except that only the House of Representatives can accuse ministers before the Court of Cassation and appoint the members of the Court of Auditors.

Relations Between Parliament and Government

In the absence of a Constitutional Court, the executive branch holds political preeminence in practice. The executive initiates most of the bills and directs and controls the legislative work. Key aspects of the relations between parliament and government include:

Right of Dissolution

The King may suspend the Chambers. The Royal Decree of dissolution must be countersigned by a minister. The Cabinet has no constitutional powers relating to the dissolution, which is discussed in the Council of Ministers.

The cases of dissolution require the consent of the House of Representatives, by an absolute majority. These cases are:

  • If a vote of confidence is rejected by a majority.
  • If a motion of censure against the federal government is passed.
  • In the case of dissolution of the federal government, having been notified the consent of the House of Representatives by an absolute majority of its members.

Demand for Political Accountability of Government

The House of Representatives may withdraw confidence in the government through a motion of censure, which is decided by an absolute majority.

There is also a vote of confidence. Ministers are accountable to the House of Representatives.

Criminal Liability

The House of Representatives has the function to acknowledge the Prime Minister and bring him before the Court of Cassation.

Regions of Belgium

There are three regions:

  • The Flemish Region
  • The Brussels-Capital Region
  • The Walloon Region

The people elect members of regional parliaments every five years. The regions have legislative and executive bodies:

  • The regional parliament
  • The regional government

Powers of the Regions

The Region of Flanders

The Community institutions and regional authorities are merged. Therefore, there is a single parliament and government for the region of Flanders. Refer to information about the Flemish Community for more details.

Communities of Belgium

The communities have cultural and linguistic competence, including culture, education, the use of languages, and subjects called “personalized” which include health policy and care for people. The following communities are distinguished:

  • Flemish Community
  • French Community
  • German Community

All regions and communities have a parliament and government, and the political regime is a parliamentary system.