The Political and Administrative System in Belgium

Teacher(s)

Bottin Jehan (compensates Reuchamps Min); Reuchamps Min; Rihoux Benoît;

Language

French

Content

Topics covered: an introduction to the Belgian political and administrative system, political divisions, pillarisation, consociationalism, particracy, federalism and federalisation, the electoral system, parliamentarism, democratic innovations, populism and extremism.

Teaching methods

Lecture.

Evaluation methods

Oral examination.
The possession and/or use of any connected device or electronic device not expressly authorised (including, but not limited to, mobile phones, smart glasses, smartwatches, earphones, etc.) is prohibited throughout the entire duration of the examination, even if the device is switched off or not in use. Any breach of this rule, whether intentional or not, will be reported as a suspected irregularity and will be dealt with in accordance with the procedure set out in Articles 107 to 113 of the General Regulations on Studies and Assessments (RGEE). If the jury deems this to constitute an irregularity, it may result in a grade of 0/20 being awarded, without prejudice to any other sanctions provided for in the RGEE.

Bibliography

Les références ci-dessous sont conseillées. Des lectures obligatoires sont par ailleurs renseignées dans le cadre des séances.
Reuchamps Min, Brans Marleen, Meier Petra & van Haute Emilie (eds.) (2026) The Oxford Handbook of Belgian Politics, Oxford University Press.
Deschouwer Kris, Caluwaerts Didier, Meier Petra, Reuchamps Min, Sinardet Dave & van Haute Emilie (2026) The Politics of Belgium: Governing a Divided Society, 3rd ed., Routledge.

Faculty or entity

> ESPO