Majority of MPs back debate on new cabinet before elections
A majority of the Tweede Kamer wants MPs to debate patching up the coalition or starting a new formation whenever a cabinet falls mid-term, rather than almost automatically calling new elections.
A broad majority of the Tweede Kamer has backed a motion by the ChristenUnie, the SGP and the CDA. It says that when a cabinet falls mid-term, MPs must first debate whether the coalition can be mended or a new formation started. Today new elections are usually called.
To make this happen, the Kamer wants to change its own rules of procedure (reglement van orde). These now say that after a mid-term fall the Kamer "can" deliberate on a new formation. That is to become "will" deliberate.
Since 2000, only one Dutch cabinet has served the full four years. Seven fell mid-term, and voters had to go back to the polls early each time.
The motion's sponsors say these early elections have led to unstable policy. In their view, that is bad for the business climate and for citizens' trust in politics.
The motion also says a four-year term should again be the starting point for the Tweede Kamer. In provincial and municipal councils, elected members always serve four years. It adds that most other European countries call new elections less often than the Netherlands.
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