Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region

Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region
Name	Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region
House type	Unicameral
Body	Brussels-Capital Region
Leader1 type	President
Leader1	Rachid Madrane
Election1	2019
Members	89
Political groups1	Government (67), • PS (17), • Ecolo (16), • Groen (9), • Open Vld (6), • Les Engagés (5), • DéFI (10), • Vooruit (4), Opposition (22), • N-VA (9), • CD&V (3), • Vlaams Belang (4), • PVDA-PTB (6)
Last election1	26 May 2019
Meeting place	Hôtel de Ligne, Brussels
Website	parliament.brussels

Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region. It is the legislative assembly for the Brussels-Capital Region, one of the three federal regions of Belgium. Established following the constitutional reforms of 1988, it exercises authority over regional matters such as urban planning, transport, and environment within the Brussels agglomeration. The parliament is uniquely bilingual, with members divided into French-language and Flemish-language groups to reflect the city's complex linguistic communities.

History

The creation of the parliament was a direct result of the prolonged state reform process aimed at federalizing the country. The Special Law of 12 January 1989 formally instituted the Brussels-Capital Region and its legislative body, with the first direct election held in June 1989. This development followed the earlier establishment of the Flemish Parliament and the Parliament of Wallonia, completing the triad of regional assemblies. Key historical milestones include the expansion of its competencies through the Lambermont agreement and the Saint-Polycarpe agreement, which transferred additional responsibilities from the federal level.

Composition and election

The parliament consists of 89 members directly elected for five-year terms by proportional representation within a single Brussels constituency. Elections coincide with those for the European Parliament and other Belgian regional councils. A distinctive feature is the mandatory linguistic division: 72 members belong to the French-language group and 17 to the Dutch-language group, based on the electoral lists they choose. This system ensures representation for both the French Community and the Flemish Community within the region's governance.

Powers and functions

The parliament holds primary legislative authority for regional competences enumerated in the Belgian Constitution, including public works, economic policy, energy policy, and supervision of local government. It approves the regional budget and exercises control over the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, which is headed by a Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region. It also ratifies international treaties within its domain and appoints judges to the Brussels Court of Appeal. Through its community commissions, it oversees certain cultural and educational matters delegated by the French and Flemish Communities.

Seat and building

The parliament convenes in the Hôtel de Ligne, a neoclassical palace located on the Rue du Lombard in central Brussels. The building, historically part of the Coudenberg palace complex, was extensively renovated for parliamentary use. The hemicycle, where plenary sessions are held, was designed to facilitate bilingual proceedings. The building is situated near major institutions like the Belgian Federal Parliament and the Brussels Stock Exchange, underscoring its role in the capital's political landscape.

Political groups

Political groups are formed along both ideological and linguistic lines. Major French-language groups include the PS, Ecolo, and DéFI, while prominent Dutch-language groups are the Open Vld, Groen, and the N-VA. A coalition, typically spanning the linguistic divide, is necessary to form a government. The current majority includes PS, Ecolo, Groen, Open Vld, Les Engagés, DéFI, and Vooruit.

Presidents of the Parliament

The president is elected from among its members and presides over debates, represents the assembly, and ensures its proper functioning. The office has been held by figures such as Charles Picqué, who later served as Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region. Other notable presidents include Eric Tomas and Françoise Dupuis. The current president, Rachid Madrane of the PS, was elected in 2019, succeeding Christos Doulkeridis.

Category:Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region Category:Unicameral legislatures Category:Government of Brussels