Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Belgium
Belgium is a federal constitutional monarchy with King Philippe as head of state and Bart De Wever as Prime Minister since February 2025. The country recently formed a new coalition government emphasizing regional autonomy and budget reforms amid significant public protests against pension and austerity measures. The federal government is moving toward abolishing the Senate, reflecting ongoing institutional reforms.
Political Stability
Good
Corruption Index
Moderate
Democracy Index
Good
Government Type
Federal Constitutional Monarchy
Legal System
Civil law system with regional variations
Head of State
King Philippe(since 2013)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Bart De Wever(New Flemish Alliance)since 2025
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: 0-1
Stable
Political Stability Index (2024)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Full Democracy
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center-right to right-wing
Center-left
Center-right
Center
Voting Rights
Belgian citizens have full voting rights. EU citizens residing in Belgium can vote in local and European Parliament elections but not in federal elections.
Recent Developments
- Bart De Wever sworn in as Prime Minister on 3 February 2025 after prolonged government formation talks
- Federal government announced plans in June 2025 to initiate abolition of the Senate
- Large protests and strikes in early 2025 against proposed pension reforms and austerity measures
- New coalition government formed with focus on regional autonomy and budget reforms
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