Dutch King wants more say in next Cabinet; MP leader says “no”

Lower house of parliament president Khadija Arib refused to cooperate in the wish of two of King Willem-Alexander's influential advisors to give the King more influence in the formation of the new cabinet, the Volkskrant reports.

Up until 2012 the ruling Dutch monarch played an active role in the formation of a new cabinet. The King or Queen could, for example, assign a "scout" to examine coalition possibilities and appoint informers. After a majority in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, changed the rules in 2012, the Kamer itself performs these tasks.

Council of State Vice President Piet Hein Donner (CDA) and Eerste Kamer president Ankie Broekers-Knol (VVD) want the King to be informed about the progress of the formation at at least three predetermined times. But, according to the newspaper, Tweede Kamer president Arib will not go along with this wish.

A majority in the Tweede Kamer, led by the D66, PvdA, SP and GroenLinks, think that any influence by the King on the formation of a new government is undesirable. A minority of VVD, CDA and other small Christian parties feel differently. They believe the King should be involved in the formation, because as a link between the leaving cabinet and the new one he "embodies the continuity", according to the Volkskrant.