Monarchy of Belgium

The Belgian Monarchy in 1830 founded, as a hereditary constitutional monarchy was established following the demerger of Belgium from the Netherlands. King Philippe is 2013 since 21 July.

Origin

Since 1815, there was the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. For this, the south in 1830, for which there were political, religious and linguistic reasons triggered. As a name for the new state were chosen Belgium, according to an ancient Roman province.

Head of state should be first a Belgian regent, then another Belgian, but both refused to ascend the throne. Then you chose Leopold of Saxe -Coburg- Saalfeld, from that central German liberal applicable dynasty that had married into many European royal houses. On July 21, 1831 Leopold I swore the oath.

Designation and oath

The correct name of the king is not " King of Belgium ", but " King of the Belgians ." This emphasizes that the power base of the king is not a territory, but the people. King Louis- Philippe in 1830 was also declared " King of the French ", and not, as is traditional for the " King of France ", just like the Greek monarch the title "King of the Hellenes " were wearing. The king, therefore, does not speak of subjects but of compatriots.

In 1920, King Albert I decided to abolish the German surname. Since then say the name de Belgique, België van or from Belgium.

Belgium is the only European monarchy in which the exclamation " The king is dead, long live the king! " Does not apply. According to the Belgian Constitution, a king can only take the throne if he has taken the oath to the Constitution. The King Albert II, for example, not acceded to the throne on the death of his brother, 31 May 1993, but only on 9 August 1993. Present in all other monarchies, the regents will be Enthroned directly with the death of her predecessor.

Languages

Belgium has three official languages ​​, of which Dutch and French are the most important. That is why many kings and members of the royal family under two names are known. The current King, for example, is called in French and in Dutch Philippe Philip, the fifth King Baudouin was in French and Boudewijn in Dutch. In the third Belgian official language, the Germans, the French names are most often used ( Baudouin, Philippe, etc.), but sometimes the German ( Baldwin, Philip, etc.).

The royal family itself speaks mainly French, which is negatively received in the Flanders region. On official occasions, however, the king or another family member takes care to alternately use both languages.

Tasks and neutrality

The king is the head of the state, all three branches of government have to answer him. In his right to a name is spoken. He appoints ministers and signed laws. However, the latter is the counter signing needed by the appropriate Minister. The real object of the king in the system of government is the establishment of a Informateurs or Formateurs in forming a government. Moreover, the King once a week receives the Prime Minister for an interview.

For the King and the Queen is both an active and a passive election ban. Furthermore, you may not be a minister members of the royal family. The king is not even allowed to enter into contracts as a private person. He is inviolable and can not be arrested or charged.