Politics in the Netherlands
Would you like more information about the Senate and the House of Representatives, or about political elections in the Netherlands? Would you like to know how laws are made in the Netherlands? Or would you like to know what social issues the Dutch are concerned with? On this page, you will find all the information you need about Dutch politics.
Information
As a Ukrainian, how can you make your voice heard in the municipality?
Municipal elections are on 18 March 2026. The Dutch will then elect the new municipal government. Ukrainians are not allowed to vote, but municipal policies on reception centres, education, work and living expenses are important. In this article you can read how you can still have influence if you are not allowed to vote.
Local parties and national parties: what is the difference?
In the municipal elections, you vote for your municipality. But who do you actually vote for? In this article we explain the difference between local and national parties. You can also read how the municipality cooperates with The Hague and the province, and how you can become active yourself.
How is a municipality governed in the Netherlands?
Every municipality in the Netherlands has its own governing body. In this article we explain what exactly the municiapl council does, what duties the college of mayor and councillors has, and how these two governing bodies work together. We also pay attention to local political parties.
What is the Dutch government like and what exactly do the national government, provinces, municipalities and water boards do?
The Dutch government consists of different levels of government with their own tasks. In this article we explain how the government is organised in the Netherlands and what the national government, provinces, municipalities and water boards do.
What do municipalities decide on?
The Netherlands has 342 municipalities. A municipality is the administrative body of a town or village. Municipalities are allowed to make their own decisions on many matters, such as housing, healthcare and employment. In this article, you can read about what municipalities decide and what this means for you as a resident.
How do municipal elections work?
There will be municipal elections on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. If you are allowed to vote, you will go to a polling station in the municipality where you live on that day. Every municipality has several polling stations. Often these are libraries, community centres or other public places. You will receive a list of all polling stations by post. In this article you can read how voting works.
What political parties are there in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has many political parties. They represent different groups of people. Parties make a list of positions and have a list of people you can vote for during elections. In this article you will read about the biggest political parties in the Netherlands.
What are the tasks of the House of Representatives?
On Dutch news sites you often read about the House of Representatives. For example, when there are elections or new laws are made. But what exactly is the House of Representatives? And what are the tasks of the members of parliament? In this article you will get the answers.
House of Representatives elections 2025: what do Dutch political parties say about Ukrainians?
On 29 October 2025, the Netherlands will go to the polls for elections to the House of Representatives. The political parties participating in the elections have made an election programme. This contains the plans they want to implement if elected. In this article you can read about their positions on Ukrainians in the Netherlands.
What are the 2025 House of Representatives elections about?
On 29 October, the House of Representatives elections will be held in the Netherlands. Political parties have different ideas about how the country should be governed. The election programmes contain many topics that are important. Below you will read about 4 topics that recur a lot: housing, asylum and migration, money and income, and the international, political role of the Netherlands.