The Belgian Federal Government refers to the executive branch of the federal system of government in Belgium. It is responsible for the administration and governance of the entire country, representing all the citizens and regions of Belgium. Comprising several ministers appointed by the King of Belgium, the Federal Government exercises authority over matters that fall within the scope of its constitutional and legal powers.
As a federal system, the Belgian government is characterized by a division of powers between the federal level, the regional level (comprising three separate regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital), and the linguistic communities (Dutch, French, and German-speaking). The Federal Government acts as an intermediary authority, cooperating with these regions and communities to ensure the proper functioning of the state.
Its main responsibilities include national defense, justice, foreign affairs, finance, social security, and the overarching coordination of policies across different regions and communities. The Federal Government makes decisions and drafts legislation that impact the entire country, seeking to balance the interests and needs of all involved parties.
The Belgian Federal Government functions within a constitutional framework established by the Belgian Constitution, which outlines its responsibilities, composition, and procedural norms. Its actions and policies are subject to oversight and scrutiny by the parliament, ensuring accountability and democratic governance within the Belgian federal system.
