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Parlementary democracy - The government governs

Q: What did Prime Minister Rutte say about decision-making during the Covid-19 crisis?

During the Covid-19 crisis, Prime Minister Rutte stated, 'In a crisis like this, you have to make 100% of the decisions with 50% of the knowledge, and bear the consequences.' (press conference, 12 March 2020)

Q: What did King Willem-Alexander say about university?

King Willem-Alexander said, 'I can't come to class on the third Tuesday in September because I have to race through The Hague in a golden caravan with my mother on Budget Day.'

Q: What was the Dutch government's stance on face masks in May 2020?

In May 2020, the Dutch government stated, 'Face masks are not mandatory. We are following the advisory reports of the Outbreak Management Team that there is no evidence that face masks are effective.' (press conference, 6 May 2020)

Q: What did King Willem-Alexander say about his great-grandmother?

He said, 'Fellow human beings felt abandoned. Unheard. Also from London, and from my great-grandmother, despite her unwavering and fierce opposition.'

Q: What measures were announced on 12 November 2020 regarding schools and public spaces?

On 12 November 2020, it was announced, 'We are entering into a partial lockdown. Schools will remain open. Cafés and restaurants will be closed for the next four weeks. A non-medical face mask will be required in public indoor spaces.' (press conference, 12 November 2020)

17 important questions on Parlementary democracy - The government governs

What is the role of a minister in relation to civil servants and legislative proposals?

A minister is in charge of thousands of civil servants and prepares legislative proposals known as bills. They give advisory opinions and take the bill to the council of ministers for discussion.

What was the Rutte III cabinet crisis about?

In 2021, the Rutte III cabinet resigned due to the childcare benefits scandal. The tax authorities wrongly accused parents of fraud, causing financial and social impacts.

What did Prime Minister Rutte say about decision-making during the Covid-19 crisis?

During the Covid-19 crisis, Prime Minister Rutte stated, "In a crisis like this, you have to make 100% of the decisions with 50% of the knowledge, and bear the consequences." (press conference, 12 March 2020)

Who is responsible for ensuring that ministers work together, and what additional role does this person have?

The prime minister ensures ministers work together and consults other heads of government on behalf of the country. The prime minister often holds a press conference after meetings.

What did King Willem-Alexander say about university?

King Willem-Alexander said, "I can't come to class on the third Tuesday in September because I have to race through The Hague in a golden caravan with my mother on Budget Day."

What was the Dutch government's stance on face masks in May 2020?

In May 2020, the Dutch government stated, "Face masks are not mandatory. We are following the advisory reports of the Outbreak Management Team that there is no evidence that face masks are effective." (press conference, 6 May 2020)

What is the significance of Budget Day and what happens on this day?

Budget Day, the third Tuesday in September, marks the opening of the parliamentary year. The king delivers the speech from the throne, listing government achievements and plans. The finance minister presents the budget memorandum.

What did King Willem-Alexander say about his great-grandmother?

He said, "Fellow human beings felt abandoned. Unheard. Also from London, and from my great-grandmother, despite her unwavering and fierce opposition."

What measures were announced on 12 November 2020 regarding schools and public spaces?

On 12 November 2020, it was announced, "We are entering into a partial lockdown. Schools will remain open. Cafés and restaurants will be closed for the next four weeks. A non-medical face mask will be required in public indoor spaces." (press conference, 12 November 2020)

What is the relationship between ministers and state secretaries?

Ministers have their own policy area and usually have a state secretary who ranks just below them. The state secretary is responsible for a subcategory of the minister's policy area.

How does King Willem-Alexander describe his role?

King Willem-Alexander wants to make connections, identify ties, and create a sense of unity among Dutch people, even in times of joy and sorrow.

What did the televised speech on 15 December 2020 state about non-essential shops and guests?

The televised speech on 15 December 2020 stated, "All non-essential shops will close. You are not allowed to receive more than two guests aged 13 and over in your home." (televised speech, 15 December 2020)

What is the purpose of the council of ministers and who chairs it?

The council of ministers meets every Friday to discuss legislative proposals. It is chaired by the prime minister. After the meeting, the prime minister often holds a press conference.

What did King Willem-Alexander say about being king?

He said, "I think you resist it at first because no one really wants to have part of their life so clearly defined. But it is a challenge that I will try to make the very best of."

What warning was given in the press conference on 20 January 2021?

The press conference on 20 January 2021 warned, "We must brace ourselves once more, now that all the experts are warning that a third wave is coming. An evening curfew is necessary, and visitors are limited to a maximum of one person." (press conference, 20 January 2021)

How does the government of the Netherlands operate during a crisis?

During a crisis, the government of the Netherlands operates with the prime minister and other ministers making decisions on behalf of all. The government and Parliament are crucial political bodies. The question is: How does the government work?

What is the role of the cabinet in the Netherlands' government?

In the Netherlands, the cabinet consists of the ministers and the state secretaries, responsible for all decisions in politics. King Willem-Alexander is not in the cabinet, and the state secretaries are not in the government.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Getting to know dutch society | 9789086745180 | Rianne Brink Karin Peusens Winifred Wouters

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Parlementary democracy - The government governs

17 important questions on Parlementary democracy - The government governs

What is the role of a minister in relation to civil servants and legislative proposals?

What was the Rutte III cabinet crisis about?

What did Prime Minister Rutte say about decision-making during the Covid-19 crisis?

Who is responsible for ensuring that ministers work together, and what additional role does this person have?

What did King Willem-Alexander say about university?

What was the Dutch government's stance on face masks in May 2020?

What is the significance of Budget Day and what happens on this day?

What did King Willem-Alexander say about his great-grandmother?

What measures were announced on 12 November 2020 regarding schools and public spaces?

What is the relationship between ministers and state secretaries?

How does King Willem-Alexander describe his role?

What did the televised speech on 15 December 2020 state about non-essential shops and guests?

What is the purpose of the council of ministers and who chairs it?

What did King Willem-Alexander say about being king?

What warning was given in the press conference on 20 January 2021?

How does the government of the Netherlands operate during a crisis?

What is the role of the cabinet in the Netherlands' government?

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