TITLE VIII. General Disposition
Article 133
Foreigners established in Belgium before the first day of January, 1814, and who have continued to reside therein shall be considered Belgians by birth, upon condition that they declare their intention to enjoy the benefit of the present provision.
The declaration must be made within six months, counting from the day when the present Constitution shall go into force, provided such persons are of age. If they be minors, the declaration must be made within the year which shall follow their majority.
This declaration must be made before the provincial authorities having jurisdiction over the place where they reside.
It must be made in person or by a legal proxy, having a special and authentic power of attorney.
Article 134
Until the passage of a law relating to the matter the House of Representatives shall have a discretionary power, in accusing a Minister, and the Court of Appeals, a similar power in judging him, as to defining the offense and determining the punishment therefor.
Nevertheless, the punishment shall not exceed imprisonment; without prejudicing, however, the cases expressly provided for by the penal laws.
Article 135
The personnel of the courts and of the tribunals shall be maintained as it actually exists, until other legal provision is made.
A law covering this matter shall be passed during the first legislative session.
Article 136
A law to be passed in the same session, shall determine the method of the first appointment of the members of the Court of Appeals.
Article 137
The fundamental law of the 24th of August, 1815, is hereby abolished, as well as the provincial and local statutes.
Meanwhile the provincial and local authorities shall preserve their powers until the law has otherwise provided.
Article 138
Counting from the day when the Constitution shall go into effect, all laws, ordinances, resolutions, rules and other acts contrary thereunto are hereby abrogated.
