Artigenda
Prinsjesdag
When: Annually, on the third Tuesday in September.
The opening of the parliamentary year in the Netherlands always occurs on the third Tuesday in September. This is called “Prinsjesdag” (Prince’s Day) in Dutch.
On this day, the national budget, “de Miljoenennota,” the Budget Memorandum is presented. The Dutch monarch delivers a speech outlining the government’s plans and outlook, “de Troonrede” (the Speech from the Throne).
History
These traditions go back as far as the beginning of the formation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1814. That was after the domination by the French. Before that, a Prinsjesdag already existed, only that was the birthday of Stadholder Prince William V (1748 – 1806). During the domination by the French between 1795 and 1814, the day was seized upon by supporters of the House of Orange for protests.
Previously, the “Gouden Koets” (Golden Coach) was used for the route the king/queen took from the working palace at Noordeinde in The Hague (“Paleis Noordeinde“). For several years, this carriage has been at the museum and the “Glazen Koets” (Glass Coach) is used. The route usually leads to the Ridderzaal, where the “Troonrede” is delivered. Due to the renovation of the Binnenhof, this will not be able to take place for several years. The alternative venue is therefore the Koninklijke Schouwburg (Korte Voorhout).
“Troonrede” is written by the government and it sets out the government’s main policies and priorities for the coming year. It is further a moment of reflection and looking ahead. Afterwards, the Finance Minister presents the Budget Memorandum in “Tweede Kamer” (the House of Representatives). This takes place in a special case. This has ceremonial significance only. The note is too big to fit in the suitcase and, incidentally, is simply distributed digitally. This shows that this day mainly hangs together from many ceremonies. Yet there is an important political element that takes place after the presentation of the data.
(Algemene) Politieke beschouwingen
The two days after Prinsjesday are dominated by (Algemene) Politieke Beschouwingen (the (General) Political Contemplations). The Tweede Kamer debates the government’s plans. Where possible, these plans are adjusted.
All these events are broadcast live on radio, television and, of course, the internet.
