The House of Representatives often complains about the lack of information provided by the government, but does not always ask for a say in government policy. Last year the cabinet spent €2.59 billion without the Chamber asking for any form of involvement. This is evident from an inventory of de Volkskrant’s tax policy.
In 2022, ministries incidentally adjusted the budget 51 times due to extraordinary situations. The estimation of extraordinary intermediate expenses is carried out, unless the government considers it an emergency, with a legislative proposal. When such a proposal reaches the House of Representatives, it is normally dealt with by a parliamentary committee. This can be done by questioning the minister in writing, debating the bill in a debate and then putting it to a vote or dismissing it as a hammer blow.
Education and Defense
In practice, this often falls short. In 2022, another 41.8 billion euros will be spent. The House of Representatives has not offered any form of participation for 2.59 billion of this. These were mostly ancillary adjustments by the Ministries of Education (OCW) and Defense. OCW has spent another $2 billion on a multi-year plan to eliminate learning backlogs due to the coronavirus. The defense made ancillary expenditure of €458 million for the purchase of ammunition. There was no discussion, debate or vote in the House of Representatives. Even the Senate rejected the bills like a hammer blow.
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
