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Politics

The Netherlands has both central and decentralised forms of administration. Elections are held every four years, national, provincal and municipalities. A certain number of seats give a political party the right to sit in the so called Second Chamber of Parliament. A government is then formed by the largest parties and the ministerial portfolios are distributed within the coalition.

Since March 2002, a similar dual administration has also existed at a local level between the municipal executive (mayor and aldermen) and the municipal council. The people of Veendam who are entitled to vote elect the municipal council. The council appoints the aldermen and the mayor is appointed by the Crown (Queen and Government ministers).

The mayor is chairman of the municipal council and of the municipal executive.

The municipal administration of Veendam

Together with the municipal executive (mayor and aldermen), the municipal council forms the municipal administration. The municipal executive comprising the mayor and aldermen forms the day-to-day administration. This method of administration is called dualism and was introduced in March 2002. One of the core tasks of the council is to represent the people in decision-making processes. Other tasks of the municipal council are determining the budget, checking the municipal executive’s annual accounts, drawing up and enactment of bye-laws (local municipal laws) and appointing aldermen.