The Federal Parliament of Belgium
The Federal Parliament of Belgium is the legislative branch of the federal government in Belgium. It consists of two chambers:
- The Chamber of Representatives - The lower house, directly elected by the Belgian people.
- The Senate - The upper house, which since the reforms in 2014, has a more limited role, focusing on federal community matters and ensuring the federal loyalty of the country.
History
The origins of the Federal Parliament of Belgium can be traced back to the creation of the Belgian state in 1831. Here are some key historical points:
- In 1831, after the Belgian Revolution, the National Congress adopted a constitution that established a bicameral system with a Senate and a Chamber of Representatives.
- The first elections for the Chamber of Representatives occurred in 1831, and the first Senate was appointed.
- Over time, the structure and powers of the parliament have evolved through constitutional reforms:
- In 1993, Belgium was officially recognized as a federal state, which led to significant changes in the structure of the parliament.
- In 2014, a major reform reduced the Senate's powers, transforming it into an assembly that represents the interests of the communities and regions rather than a chamber of equal legislative power.
Functions
The Federal Parliament of Belgium has several key functions:
- Legislation: Proposing, discussing, amending, and passing laws.
- Control: Exercising control over the executive branch, including the government's policies and the budget.
- Representation: Representing the Belgian people, communities, and regions.
Composition and Elections
- Chamber of Representatives: Elected every five years through a system of proportional representation. It currently has 150 members.
- Senate: Since the 2014 reform, the Senate has 60 senators:
- 50 are elected by and from the community parliaments.
- 10 are appointed by the community parliaments.
Recent Developments
Recent years have seen changes in the way the Senate functions, focusing more on the interests of the different communities within Belgium. This shift reflects Belgium's complex federal structure, which accommodates linguistic, cultural, and regional diversity.
External Links for Further Reading
Related Topics