News item | 24-04-2026 | 13:30
The Netherlands has a strong democratic constitutional state. Its power lies not only in institutions and laws, but especially in people. Democracy works thanks to citizens who vote, think along and contribute to society. But this strong democratic constitutional state cannot be taken for granted. Protecting and strengthening our democracy is a core task. This requires a strengthening of our democratic constitutional state, but also an effective government, good inter-governmental cooperation and strong and vital regions. Minister Heerma (Interior) and State Secretary Van der Burg (Kingdom Relations and Decisive Government) wrote this in a letter to the House of Representatives.
Minister Heerma: “Things will only go well in the Netherlands if things go well everywhere in the Netherlands. This requires strong regions and communities. Together they form an important pillar for our democracy. Because the power of democracy lies in the participation of our society. Good governance goes hand in hand with good citizenship. Only by working well together can we achieve results.”
State Secretary Van der Burg: “A decisive government must solve problems, not maintain them. Together with other ministries, implementing organizations, municipalities, provinces and social partners, we are working on a government that does what it promises – for citizens and companies. This means: fewer rules, better digital services and an efficient organization that focuses on results. With the aim of helping the Netherlands move forward.”
Cabinet strengthens resilient democratic constitutional state
Protecting and strengthening the democratic constitutional state is an important task for this government. We are working on an active approach against disinformation and foreign influence and better protection of office holders. In addition, the government is strengthening independent institutions, fundamental rights and confidence in the government. To strengthen local democracy, political parties will receive clear financing rules through the new Political Parties Act. New legislation will be introduced to combat disinformation and digital influence and we will strengthen the AIVD. The government is also investing in transparency, including a lobby register and a better Open Government Act. We stimulate active citizenship and democratic awareness through citizenship education and social initiatives. This approach applies to the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
The government is also working on more measures that affect the resilient democratic constitutional state. The right to demonstrate is a fundamental part of our democracy. We must guarantee this right and protect it against people who want to abuse it. That is why the government plans to create a power for mayors to move demonstrators and other groups of people who violate the law. In addition, the possibility is being investigated of creating emergency powers for mayors in the Public Manifestations Act, in order to be able to take better action in the event of serious disruptions to public order. Efforts are also being made to revise the criminal law so that criminal offenses committed during demonstrations are given more weight.
Strong and vital regions: every region counts
The strength of the Netherlands lies in its regions. That is why the government ensures that every region can participate. We are building on the recommendations of the Every Region Counts report! thus laying the foundation for sustainable regional development and strengthening the quality of life, living and working. The National Vital Regions Program (NPVR) remains the government’s priority. Additional steps forward are being taken together with the 11 regions in this program.
The national government is drawing up strategic agendas with a number of other regions aimed at tackling major challenges and taking advantage of regional opportunities.
The government wants to support community centers, village facilities and associations with the establishment of the community fund. They are crucial for social cohesion in communities. In the approach we prioritize deployment in the regions of the NPVR and a number of other regions.
The recovery and reinforcement operation in Groningen and North Drenthe continues unabated. The cabinet appoints a government commissioner to ensure that claims are handled properly and to continue the reinforcement operation expeditiously. In addition, the government remains committed to repaying the debt of honor. Through the isolation approach, the Social and the Economic Agenda, the government will contribute to the broad prosperity development in Groningen and North Drenthe for a generation.
Decisive government and administration: fewer rules, more results
Many citizens, entrepreneurs and executives experience the government as large and complicated. That is why the government is working on an effective government: a government that does what it promises and achieves results. Within the Decisive Government Task Force, ministers led by State Secretary Van der Burg are joining forces to present an action agenda before the summer. The government is committed to reducing the regulatory burden by simplifying legislation and regulations and removing unnecessary rules. Every year, the government will send a Simplification Act to Parliament with proposals from departments, supervisors and implementing organizations. In addition, the government will work on improving the government’s business operations. A more efficient government needs fewer civil servants – not by cutting back on quality, but by working smarter. This is also the aim of the government-wide task as laid down in the coalition agreement. An effective government also means excellent (digital) public services. Citizens and companies can expect the government to be accessible and helpful. With this approach for an effective government, the government becomes more powerful – with fewer rules, better cooperation and a government service that delivers results.
