News item | 09-12-2025 | 08:51
The Council of Ministers has agreed to put the bill for the Modernization of Replacement and Leave of Political Office Holders Act for consultation by Minister Rijkaart of the Interior and Kingdom Relations into consultation. This bill updates the current regulations regarding the replacement and leave of representatives and decentralized daily managers, so that they are better aligned with practice. The bill introduces, among other things, more flexibility in the replacement terms and an expansion of the types of leave for daily drivers.
Need for modernization
Various municipal councils have previously called for modernizing the replacement scheme for council members. In response to this, the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations has requested advice from the Advisory Board on the Legal Status of Political Office Holders (ARPA). The government’s response to this advice promised that a bill would follow to update and expand the regulations.
Main parts of the bill
In broad terms, the bill regulates four points:
More flexible replacement terms
The current replacement period of 16 weeks for representatives and daily administrators (in case of pregnancy, childbirth or illness) can be extended by periods of 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 32 weeks. The total replacement period per parliamentary term remains 48 weeks.
Replacement possible at the start of term of office
The legal obstacle to being replaced at the start of office due to pregnancy and childbirth will be removed.
New terminology in the Electoral Act
The term temporary dismissal is deleted. Instead, representatives can be temporarily removed from office in the event of pregnancy, childbirth or illness.
Expansion of leave types for daily managers
Leave types are being expanded for daily managers, as much as possible in line with the Work and Care Act (Wazo). This includes maternity and care leave.
Consultation period
The bill is available for consultation (online) until mid-February here to find. Professional associations, interest groups and other interested parties are invited to respond.