Constructive opposition crucial for minority governments
In the media image: Marjoline Delahaye on Unsplash
A minority government depends heavily on opposition support for its survival. Without giving opposition parties the opportunity to have a say, the possibility of the government’s collapse remains ever present, says constitutional law expert Corné Smit in ‘Reformatorisch Dagblad’.
Smit argues that this vulnerability is especially evident during the budget process. Opposition parties need assurances that the government will engage constructively and involve them meaningfully in the decision-making process. In his view, the current approach in the Netherlands, which gives opposition parties limited scope to participate in discussions while budgetary adjustments are negotiated, does little to build confidence. ‘If the government wants opposition support, opposition parties must be given a genuine voice.’
Smit also notes that the Netherlands has relatively few institutional safeguards to protect a minority government. ‘In the Netherlands, the possibility of a government collapse is always present.’ The uncertainty surrounding a government’s lifespan may make opposition parties less willing to cooperate constructively, particularly as new elections draw nearer. According to Smit, the Netherlands could learn from countries such as Denmark and Spain, where the role of the opposition carries greater responsibility. ‘A successful minority government therefore also requires constructive opposition.’ In his view, this calls for a different political approach here, one in which the government actively invests in cooperation and mutual trust.
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Read the full article in Reformatorisch Dagblad (€, in Dutch)