question_answer

Examine the main elements of the Belgian model of power sharing.

Answer:

After the four amendments in the constitution between 1970 and 1993 the Belgian leaders worked out a very different and innovative power sharing arrangement

Equal distribution of seats: The Constitution of Belgium prescribes that the number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government.

Some special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group. Thus no single community can make decisions unilaterally.

Concept of Federal Government: Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments for the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to the central government.

Equal Representation in Brussels: Brussels are the headquarters of European Union, has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the central government.

Community Government: Apart from the central and the state government there is a third kind "Government" known as Community Government in Belgium. This government is elected by people belonging to one language community, Dutch, French and German speaking - no matter where they live.

The Community Government has also the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.