De federale Ombudsman / Le Mediateur federal
Summary
De federale Ombudsman / Le Mediateur federal (the Belgian Federal Ombudsman) is an independent auxiliary body of the Chamber of Representatives established by the law of 22 March 1995. The institution is managed by two Federal Ombudsmen — one Dutch-speaking and one French-speaking — each appointed by the Chamber of Representatives for a six-year term renewable once. The Federal Ombudsman investigates complaints from citizens and legal entities about the functioning of federal administrative authorities and acts as an impartial mediator between citizens and federal public services. Under the statute, the Ombudsman has a right of access to all documents and information held by federal administrations. Annual reports are submitted to the Chamber of Representatives and made public. The budget is a legislative line item within the Chamber's budget. Belgium's communities and regions have their own separate ombudsmen for regional administration.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Wet van 22 maart 1995 tot instelling van federale ombudsmannen / Loi du 22 mars 1995 instituant des mediateurs federaux
- Citation
- Wet/Loi van/du 22 maart/mars 1995 (B.S. 7 april 1995)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Federal administrative authorities (federal public services, agencies, public enterprises with a public service mission); investigates complaints from citizens and legal entities about the functioning of federal administration; conducts own-motion investigations and systemic reviews