Belgium - 90.4
17
Large problems on a small scale
Belgium’s primary issue in the modern-day is the division between the Francophone Walloonians and the German-speaking Flemish. Belgian political allegiances exist primarily along ethno-linguistic lines. Belgium’s heavily divided and partisan politics have resulted in a political crisis that lasted for several months, as an interim government spend almost half a year attempting to form a government. Belgian hate speech laws are relatively strict, but not to the same extent as many of their neighbors. A law restricting face coverings was both of concern and generally ineffective. Despite this, Belgium’s government has remained committed to human rights and the country has developed a strong economy.
Human Rights - 98
Belgium has fully abolished the death penalty. An invasive COVID-tracking system collected user data and forced users to fill out mandatory surveys sharing their location at almost all times of the day. Belgium guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights. Abortion is legal to 14 weeks.
Democracy - 91
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, limiting its score to 95. The King has the rarely used power to veto the formation of a government. The prime minister is elected by the legislature, which is directly elected. Elections are free and fair and a wide range of parties compete. Parliament is regularly subject to political deadlock, and it is far from uncommon for parliament to take several months to form a government. Belgian political allegiances are also overwhelmingly based on ethno-linguistic ties, further compounding issues of partisanship and political deadlock.
Freedom - 87
Total face coverings are banned in public spaces, but an exception allowing workers to wear necessary safety equipment has been exploited by criminals in the past, undermining the efficacy of a law that infringes upon both Belgian citizens’ right to privacy and Muslim women’s right to worship., Incitement to hatred is illegal in public settings, though authorities are generally hesitant to enforce this rule. It is also illegal to deny the holocaust in public demonstrations, publications, and political campaigns. Possession of drugs is illegal and carries a fine of 200 Euros, but distribution is punishable by larger fines and light jail sentences. Belgium shall issue gun ownership licenses for semi-automatic rifles and handguns. A justification is required for a self-defense permit, but no justification is required for other permits.
Economy - 95
Health - 96
Belgium has a life expectancy of 81 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.27%. 16% of Belgians are obese and 0.31% are malnourished. Belgium provides world-class universal healthcare through social security. All Belgians have access to clean, running water. Roughly 25% of adult Belgians smoke regularly.
Corruption - 86
It is not uncommon for companies to expect to pay bribes to receive public contracts. Belgium’s conflict of interest laws are generally loose and difficult to enforce. , resulting in Belgian officials regularly holding high positions in companies operating in Belgium, especially energy companies.
Competency - 64
Parliament has repeatedly failed to form a government for four months. Political infighting and partisanship have resulted in a lengthy political deadlock in the country that the government failed to resolve for an extended period of time. The government is failing to protect immigrants and minorities, with one of the highest rates of hate crimes in Western Europe.
Future - 85
Parliament has finally formed a government, which spells a bright political future for Belgium. Belgium is threatened by rising sea levels, but is currently constructing a seawall to protect against rising tides.
Actions Abroad - 75
Belgian arms manufacturers sold to both sides of the Yemeni Civil War. They previously also sold to both sides of the Syrian and Iraqi Civil Wars. Belgium has deployed troops to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23 in the DRC. The country has actively supported totalitarian regimes in both the DRC and Burundi, refusing to hold these countries accountable for their actions, including gross violations of human rights. On the flipside, Belgium sends millions in foreign aid to the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda.
No Belgians live below the international poverty line, while 15% live below the national poverty line. 6% of Belgians are unemployed, and the country has a very low economic disparity. Belgium’s minimum wage is $1872 per month. Healthcare is included in social security, which all taxpayers must register for. Dependents not registered under social security are covered by Belgium’s health insurance scheme. Belgium’s healthcare is some of the best in the world. Belgium’s economy shrunk 6.3% in 2020 and grew 1.8% in 2019.