Belgium is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is King Albert II, sixth King of the Belgians.
Political role
As head of state, the king carries out the political role granted to him by the constitution. In this capacity, he dismisses and appoints ministers, sanctions laws, leads the armed forces and international relations, concludes international treaties, etc. The monarch carries out these actions under the responsibility of his ministers. The king also carries out these political activities through personal meetings with political players. The importance and impact of these meetings vary according to the circumstances. At certain times in political life – particularly in a government crisis or on the day after an election – the role of the king is clearer: he formulates proposals to resolve problems or nominates an “informateur” and then a “formateur” to form a government.
Symbolic role
The King of the Belgians also has a symbolic and representative role: he represents the nation (or the country). In this capacity, he travels abroad to make courtesy or friendship visits and spread a positive image of Belgium. With the queen, he also travels around the country in order to keep abreast of what is going on among the population and to encourage the social, economic and cultural development of Belgium. The king is really a symbol of the unity and preservation of the nation and a mediator in the political field, a role where caution and discretion are essential.