Normally the third Tuesday in September is the high point of the Dutch political year with the state opening of parliament, the presentation of the budget, and a royal appearance. But today, the country is in political limbo as attempts to form a new government continue to go nowhere, following elections more than three months ago.
The caretaker government has fulfilled its duties and presented a new budget. And The Hague produced the traditional pomp and ceremony, if a little subdued. Even so, when you can ride in a golden carriage, even subdued celebrations look pretty good.
Only one small incident marred the glorious ride to the Hall of Knights: a man threw a small candle holder in the direction of the Queen's carriage. The perpetrator was arrested, and minutes later the Queen kicked off the Dutch political year with her traditional speech from the throne.
"Since the parliamentary elections on 9 June there has been intensive effort to form a new cabinet. Given that the cabinet formation is still ongoing, it is appropriate for the current cabinet to exhibit restraint in its proposals for the coming year."
Ministerial specifics
While the Queen's role is to inform the public in general terms of what the cabinet has in mind, it is the minister of finance who hands over the specifics to parliament. He brings the annual budget in the famed "briefcase" to parliament.
So what was in the briefcase? Less than last year, it would seem. Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's caretaker cabinet managed to find 3.2 billion euros to cut from the 2011 budget. And forecasts for even more drastic budget cuts, as the country seeks to get its books back in order following the recent financial crisis and ensuing economic downturn.
Listen to RNW's John Tyler speak to Finance Minister Jan Kees de Jager about the 2011 budget plans:
Short-lived budget
But the budget presented on Tuesday will have a short life span. Negotiations to form a new, right-wing coalition government have entered the final stages. If all goes according to plan, the Queen will present a new prime minister and a new cabinet in just a few weeks.
So the outgoing government is no longer politically relevant and everybody is waiting for the presentation of a new cabinet, with new plans and new cuts. Only then will the political year really be under way.
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That is rather idiotic! Never mind the hats!
Subtitles please!!
Pick of the Day: Dutch politics in limbo on Budget Day
Even melden dat is onmogelijk video op FB te plaatsen !!!
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