A "new Belgium" created by constitutional reforms

The country’s leading politicians met yesterday in the prime minister’s Brussels residence to sign a landmark constitution reform that will fundamentally change the structure of Belgium. Known as the sixth state reform, the document contains 82 new laws approved by all eight political parties that form the current coalition government.

The federal government took two years to reach agreement on the wide-reaching changes, which will shift many powers from the federal government to the regions and language communities.

Prime minister Elio di Rupo is confident that the new reforms will bring political stability to the country following several years of uncertainty. “Over the past two years, our country has evolved from a country in crisis to a stable land that has gained more international credibility,” he said during yesterday’s ceremony. “Once the sixth state reform takes effect, we will have a new Belgium.”

State secretary for state reform Servais Verherstraeten added that “the eight political parties and the federal government have finished their part of the job and are now handing over the baton to the regional governments”. He added on his Twitter account: “From the cradle to the grave, the regions are now responsible.”

Flanders minister president Kris Peeters praised the reforms as “a turning point in the history of this country and its regions and communities.” On his Twitter account, he noted: “Following the reforms, the regions now have the power to make their own decisions to create a strong economic policy and efficient government. No time to lose!” 

photo credit:

Thierry Roge /BELGA