The government in Belgium divided the powers equally between Dutch and French speaking populations. It was decided that equal representation should be given to the French- and Dutch-speaking population. Thus, there were equal numbers of ministers belonging to both communities in the Central Government.

Power Sharing in Belgium

Belgium is a country known for its complex power-sharing arrangement, which has been successful in maintaining peace and stability in the country. It is a federal state that consists of three distinct regions - Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. The power-sharing model in Belgium is based on the principles of decentralization and autonomy, with each region having its own government and legislature.

Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity
One of the key reasons for the power-sharing arrangement in Belgium is its ethnic and linguistic diversity. The country is divided into two main linguistic communities - the Dutch-speaking Flemish community and the French-speaking Walloon community. The capital city of Brussels is officially bilingual. This linguistic divide has often been a source of tension and conflict, making power-sharing essential for maintaining harmony.

Federal Structure
Belgium adopted a federal structure in the 1980s, which further strengthened power-sharing. The country is divided into three autonomous regions, each with its own government and legislative authority. Flanders, with a predominantly Dutch-speaking population, has its own parliament and government. Similarly, Wallonia, with a French-speaking majority, has its own regional government. Brussels, being the capital and a bilingual region, has a separate government to represent both linguistic communities.

Community-based Representation
Another important aspect of power-sharing in Belgium is community-based representation. The major political parties in Belgium are often divided along linguistic lines, with separate parties representing the Flemish and Walloon communities. This ensures that the interests and concerns of both communities are adequately represented in the decision-making process.

Consociational Democracy
Belgium can be seen as an example of a consociational democracy, where different ethnic and linguistic groups have a share in power. The power-sharing arrangement ensures that decisions are made through consensus and compromise, rather than domination by a single community. This has helped to prevent conflicts and promote cooperation between the different regions of Belgium.

Conclusion
In conclusion, power-sharing in Belgium is based on the principles of decentralization, autonomy, and community-based representation. The federal structure, along with linguistic divisions, has allowed for a consociational democracy to thrive. This power-sharing arrangement has been successful in maintaining peace and stability in a country with diverse linguistic and ethnic communities.