Political outline

Executive Power

Chief of the state is the King, who plays a largely ceremonial and symbolic role. King's primary political function is to designate a political leader (Prime Minister) to form a new government. Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party (or the leader of the majority coalition) is usually appointed Prime Minister by the King and then approved by the parliament for a four-year term.
The King, on recommendation of the Prime Minister formally appoint Council of Ministers. At the federal level, executive power is wielded by the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister chairs the Council. Each minister heads a governmental department.

Legislative Power

The Belgian Parliament consists of the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives. The Chamber has 150 directly elected members. The Senate has 71 members.

Main political parties

Political parties in Belgium are divided on the basis of community and linguistic lines into two groups:
- Flemish parties: VLD (Flemish Liberal Democrats), CD&V (Flemish Christian Democrats Party), SP.A/Spirit (the Flemish Socialists and Spirit alliance), GROEN! (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens); NVA (New Flemish Alliance) and the right-wing VB (Flemish Interest);
- Francophone parties: PS (Socialist Party), MR (Reformist Movement), ECOLO (Francophone Greens); CDH (Humanist and Democratic Center) and FN (National Front).

Current political leaders

King: ALBERT II (since August 1993);
Heir Apparent: Prince PHILIPPE, son of the present King.
Prime Minister: Elio DI RUPO (since 5 December 2011) - Socialist Party;

Next election dates

Senate and Chamber of Deputies : June 2011.
Communal and provincial elections in October 2012.