How Do Countries Survive Without a National Government? Theoretical Reflections on the Belgian Case

Abstract

In this debate section, four Belgian political scientists reflect on the theoretical relevance of the lengthy political crisis that Belgium has known following the elections of June 2010. It is argued that the absence of a federal government did not lead to a policy vacuum, as regional governments, the European Union, public service managers and Members of Parliament tried to expand the scope of their authority. Given trends towards multi-level governance, it is expected that the Belgian political system will manage to survive, even if one of the levels of government (temporarily) falls out.