The Federal Government has reached an agreement on how it plans to abolish the Belgian Senate. However, in order to abolish the senate, the constitution will need to be amended and this will require a two-thirds majority in the Federal Parliament. This means that the support of at least some opposition parties will be required. If all goes to plan the Belgian Senate should be abolished just ahead of the next federal elections in 2029.
Federal Government reaches agreement on abolishing the Senate, but parliament will still need to approve the measure
Published:
There was already unanimity among the coalition parties on abolishing the Senate when the new Federal Government was formed at the end of January. The coalition agreement stipulates that the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives’ services such as the maintenance of the building that houses both of them and the Senate pension fund will be merged.
It also states that those that currently work for the Senate should to trasfered to other public services such as, for example, the Flemish Parliament or federal government departments.
Transfer to Chamber of Representatives
A number of practical details still had to be worked out. For instance, a solution had to be found for the Senate's remaining powers.
These include the appointment of judges and amendments to the constitution. Also, currently if there is a conflict of interest between the regions the Senate can intervene. Part of the funding given to political parties also comes via the Senate.
On Monday evening the Federal Government agreed that under its proposal for the abolition of the Senate, the Senate’s remaining powers will be transferred to the Chamber of Representatives.
Not until 2029
The abolition of the Senate requires an amendment to the constitution. An amendment to the constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the Federal Parliament. This means that the government will have to seek support from the opposition.
Support from the Flemish liberals and the Flemish and Francophone greens won’t suffice, so the government will have to try and convince at least one of the larger opposition parties (Francophone socialists, Far-right Vlaams Belang, far-left PVDA/PTB) to support the amendment. However, if some opposition MPs abstain this would not be counted in the votes tally and would enable the federal government to obtain a two-thirds majority more easily.
VRT News sources say that the government will in the instance try and get support from the Flemish liberals, the greens and the Francophone socialists.