Explain the power-sharing arrangement in Belgium.

The Belgian leaders adopted the different path. After recognizing the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities, the constitution amended 4 times to work out an arrangement for everyone to live together within the same country. This came to be known as the Belgium model.

Elements of Belgium model:

(i) Equal distribution of seats— Dutch and French speaking ministers have been given equal status in the central government. No single majority can make the decision unilaterally.

(ii) The concept of Federal Government—Besides, state governments for the two regions have been given maximum powers and the state governments are not treated as the subordinate to the central government.

(iii) Equal Representation in Brussels— Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, equal representation given to both the French and Dutch speaking people.

(iv) Community Government. The Belgium model introduced a new concept of the third kind of government, i.e., the ‘Community Government’. This government is elected by the people belonging to one language community.

(v) This arrangement was made to ensure the promotion and protection of cultural and linguistic diversity.