Belgium takes first step towards abolition of Senate
The Senate's Institutional Affairs Committee on Monday approved a proposal to amend Article 195 of the Constitution, a move intended to pave the way for the abolition of Belgium's upper house. The vote marks the first of eight steps in the procedure.
The committee backed a bill tabled by the coalition parties of the federal government, along with liberal party Anders. It also received support from Vlaams Belang and Groen-Ecolo. The PS voted against the measure, while the PVDA abstained. German-speaking senator Liesa Scholzen also opposed it.
Although only a simple majority was required at committee level, the approval proved more difficult than expected. A planned vote in early February was postponed due to concerns within the majority over the federal representation of the German-speaking community. This is currently ensured through the Senate’s composition of regional senators, but no equivalent guarantee exists in the Chamber of Representatives.
Unresolved issues
Addressing the committee, prime minister Bart De Wever said he attached the "utmost importance" to these concerns. Speaking in German, he said "we have time to find solutions to every problem" and stressed his intention to resolve the issue "before the end of the process".
At the same time, De Wever argued that multiple models exist to ensure fair participation. "That variety emphasises that abolition does not equate to giving up on participation, but rather creates space for its redesign," the prime minister said.
Monday’s vote was the first of eight in the procedure. The committee has not yet voted on the abolition of the Senate itself, only on the revision of Article 195. This Article governs the procedure for amending the Constitution and is seen as a necessary step towards dismantling the upper chamber.
The proposal now heads to a plenary vote in the Senate on Friday, where a two-thirds majority is required.
From bicameral to unicameral
Since its founding in 1831, Belgium’s federal parliament has been bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate. Over time, the Chamber has become the main legislative body, directly elected and responsible for passing most laws, approving the budget and overseeing the government.
By contrast, the Senate has lost most of its powers following successive state reforms, currently serving as a meeting point for the country's communities and regions. Those in favour of abolishing it argue that it is too costly given its limited remaining role. The Senate's abolition is part of the coalition agreement of the De Wever government.
Prime minister Bart De Wever in the Senate last year. © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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