The adaptation of the electoral system to the ethno-linguistic evolution of Belgian consociationalism

Complying with the idea that institutions could be used “to manage conflict democratically in divided societies” (Belmont et al. 2002, p. 3), the Belgian state has reformed its institutions in the past 40 years to accommodate ethno-linguistic tensions between Dutchspeakers and French-speakers. While less frequently mentioned, electoral rules have also been adapted to this ‘ethnicization’ of Belgian politics. Interestingly, changes made to the electoral system for managing tensions between the two linguistic communities followed the core principles of consociationalism. This observation supports the idea that, when an existing pattern of conflict resolution has existed in a country for decades, it tends to remain the guiding line to accommodate tensions even when new types of conflicts emerge.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Morality Policies: How Religion and Politics Interplay in Democratic Decision-Making

Throughout history, there have been connections between religion and politics in Belgium. Still, abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, research on embryo are examples of life and death issues that trigger vivid debates. They may even challenge the stability of a political system, especially when it undergoes a federalization process. Political parties are key players to find a compromise. The churches and the secular actors accept the public regulation as long as their values are not at stake. Therefore, policy change regarding morality issues is mainly focus on policy instruments rather than on core beliefs. Such a strategy by decision-makers leave the traditional cleavages untouched. It ensures social quietness during the framing and the implementation of the public policies. In Belgium, demonstrations related to morality issues do not breach law and order as in France or Spain, for instance. Even the Belgian Catholic Church partially outpaces the Roman Catholic Church