In Belgium, the power of the state is divided amongst three powers: legislative, executive and judicial. Each power controls and limits the others. This principle of separation of powers is not explicitly mentioned in the constitution and is not absolute.
Legislative
Legislative power - essentially law-making and control of the executive’s power - is held by the Federal Parliament (comprising the Senate and Chamber of Representatives) and the King of Belgium, Albert II.
Executive
Executive power - which involves governance of the country and ensuring that laws are correctly applied and respected - is held by the King of Belgium and his government made up of ministers and state secretaries.
The current Government has 15 ministers. The Federal Government consists of the same number of Dutch-speakers and French-speakers, with the exception of the Prime Minister. At the time of writing, the Belgian Prime Minister is Yves Leterme (although elections are scheduled to take place ahead of the Belgian Presidency). In his capacity as head of the Federal Government, the Prime Minister chairs the national council of ministers, represents the Government with respect to the main Belgian political institutions, and represents the Government at international level.
The Government, as well as being responsible for implementing legislation, also has some legislative powers through its right of initiative. It can submit bills to the Parliament and also has the right to propose amendments. This means that it can submit amendments to its own bills as well as to the bills of Members of Parliament. A bill that has been approved by Parliament only becomes law after signature by the Government, i.e. the King and the Ministers.
Judicial
Judicial power – which involves resolving disputes as well as controlling the legal aspect of actions undertaken by the executive – is held by various different courts.
*note: This separation of powers also exists on a community and regional level. Each community and region has its own legislative and executive power. Judicial powers are the same at federal, regional and community level.
