Politics & Government Guide in Netherlands

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

The Netherlands is currently governed by a caretaker government following the resignation of several ministers. New parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 29, 2025. The political landscape is characterized by a fragmented party system, requiring coalition governments.

Government Type

Constitutional Monarchy

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

King Willem-Alexander(since 2013)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Dick Schoof(New Social Contract (Nieuw Sociaal Contract, NSC))since 2023

Legislature

Type:bicameral

Upper House:Senate (75 seats)

Lower House:House of Representatives (150 seats)

Major Political Parties

Party for Freedom (Partij voor de Vrijheid, PVV)(PVV)

Right-wing

17 seats

People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie, VVD)(VVD)

Center-right

34 seats

Christian Democratic Appeal (Christen-Democratisch Appèl, CDA)(CDA)

Center-right

14 seats

GroenLinks–PvdA(GL/PvdA)

Left-wing

24 seats

Voting Rights

Full voting rights for Dutch citizens; EU citizens can vote in local and European elections

Recent Developments

Implementation of the European Entry and Exit System (EES) starting October 12, 2025
Preparations for new parliamentary elections on October 29, 2025
Caretaker government managing ongoing business until a new government is formed

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal