How Bengen is governed

The legislative process

The Bengenese Federal Parliament makes decisions on new laws and amendments to laws. The government is normally behind the legislative proposals, but individual members of Parliament can also take the initiative for new laws. Many of the laws that are introduced are based on decisions in the EU. Some decisions made within the EU, regulations, come into force directly.

Laws usually begin with a proposal from the Government, called a bill. The Government submits around 200 bills to Parliament each year. Some of them propose completely new legislation, while others are proposals for amendments to existing laws.

A bill can also come from one or more members of Parliament, in which case the proposal is called a motion.

The legislative process for a Government bill

Policy preparation

  1. A Ministry (for example, the Ministry of Labour and Inclusion) identifies the need for a new law or an amendment. Civil servants draft a preliminary bill.
  2. Civil servants draft a preliminary bill.
  3. Legal departments check constitutionality and compatibility with EU law.
  4. If the bill affects federalism, Provinces are consulted through the Directorate for Local Affairs and Federalism within the Federal Chancellery.

Government approval

  1. The draft law is submitted to the Federal Chancellery.
  2. The Federal Chancellor coordinates inter-ministerial review, through which the bill is discussed and approved.
  3. The President is informed. Once approved, it becomes a Government Bill.

Introduction to Parliament

  1. The bill is formally submitted to the Federal Parliament, and it is registered and assigned a legislative number.
  2. It is referred to the relevant parliamentary committees.
  3. In Bengen’s bicameral system, the People’s Council usually debates first, then the Republic’s Council reviews afterward.

Committee stage

  1. The relevant committee (e.g., Committee on Labour) examines the bill article by article; holds hearings with experts, civil servants, and stakeholders; may request clarification from the responsible Minister; and proposes amendments.
  2. The committee adopts a committee report, recommending adoption as drafted; adoption with amendments; or rejection.

First reading

  1. In plenary session of the People’s Council, the responsible Minister presents the bill.
  2. Members debate the general principles. After debate, the chamber votes to proceed.

Second reading

  1. Each article is debated. Amendments are proposed and voted on.
  2. Technical corrections may be introduced. This stage can significantly reshape a bill.

Final vote in the first Chamber

  1. The People’s Council votes on the bill as a whole.
  2. Depending on the type of law, ordinary laws require a simple majority. Organic laws require an absolute majority.
  3. If adopted, the bill is transmitted to the Republic’s Council.

Review by the Republic's Council

  1. The upper house reviews the adopted text; may approve it unchanged, propose amendments, or reject it.
  2. If amended, the bill returns to the People’s Council.
  3. If the two chambers disagree, a Joint Reconciliation Committee is formed. It proposes a compromise text.
  4. Both chambers vote again.
  5. If disagreement persists, the Constitution determines which chamber has final say. It will typically be the People's Council.

Constitutional review

  1. Before promulgation, the President, a group of Members of Parliament, or certain institutions may refer the bill to the High Court of Justice for constitutional review.
  2. If the Court declares it unconstitutional, the bill must be revised. If constitutional, the process continues.

Promulgation and entry into force

  1. The President signs and promulgates the law, then the Federal Chancellor must countersign. Promulgation confirms the law was adopted according to constitutional procedure.
  2. The law is published in the Official Gazette of the Republic. It enters into force on the date specified in the law, or 15 days after publication if unspecified.
  3. From that moment, it is legally binding throughout Bengen.

Last updated: 15.02.2026