What are municipal governments in Belgium?
Municipal (local) governments in Belgium are split into Steden ('Cities' like Leuven) and Gemeenten ('Councils' like Herent and Oud Heverlee). In Flanders, there are 300 of these 'municipalities'.
The local governments and Mayors are elected every six years in Belgium - the next elections are in October 2024, and then they'll take place again in 2030.
Local governments make decisions that affect the daily life of residents. By voting, residents have a say in how their communities are run, ensuring that their needs and concerns are taken into account.
What areas of life are influenced by local governments?
Local politicians have control over what happens at a municipal level including:
- municipal schools and childcare
- social support
- libraries
- local youth work
- sports infrastructure
- nature and green management
- construction and management of municipal roads and public spaces
Municipalities can draw up their own decisions and regulations for e.g. local traffic, municipal education or housing. They have the authority to:
- award municipal grants
- subsidize local projects
- inform and guide entrepreneurs
- impose certain fines or expropriate land
There are many other responsibilities the city has that is impacted by who is in power. You can read more about them here.