Political system
The Kingdom of the Netherlands includes the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba in the Caribbean. The Netherlands has been a parliamentary democratic constitutional monarchy since 1848. The head of state is the monarch, at present Queen Beatrix.
The three main powers:
executive power, legislative power and judicial power, are segregated as follows:
The Executive power is formed by “de ministerraad” (Dutch Cabinet), led by the Prime Minister, at present Mr. Mark Rutte. The cabinet consists of twelve to sixteen ministers.
The Legislative power is formed by parliament which consists of two chambers. The second Chamber of Parliament with 150 members proposes and amends laws whereas the First Chamber or senate with 75 members reviews, act on amended legislation and has the power to reject laws. No single party has ever held majority in parliament since the 19th century.
Political power is generally shared between parties in coalitions, which has lead to a moderate and stable political situation.
The Judicial system consists of a supreme Court, Courts of Justice for Appeals, and lower courts. The legal system is based mainly on codified law.
3. A stable political environment
The main political parties are the socialist based parties, the Christian democratic parties and the liberal parties. After the war the multiparty political and social system lead to a constant coalition ruling of several parties. The political area, however, has been very stable over time as coalitions assured compromises between parties. The term of government is 4 years after which elections are held. More often than not the period of 4 years is finalised by the coalition parties. sometimes a premature ending of a ruling government takes place and early elections are required.
INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
The Netherlands is a founding member of many important international organisations such as the European union, the uN, NATO, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. self-interest is one reason but not the only reason why the Netherlands is actively promoting international law and order. The Dutch find human rights and democracy very important which resulted in the fact that the country now is hosting important international bodies such as the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
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Doing business in the Netherlands
A practical guide designed to give a general overview of the country and of the major applicable regulations for doing business in the Netherlands.
- Auteursrecht 2012 - Mazars - Netherlands
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- Auteursrecht 2012 - Mazars - Netherlands
