What is the impact of a caretaker government on Prinsjesdag?
- 5 June 2025
- Edited 21 July 2025
- 1 min
- Rules and laws
For the 12th time in post-war history, a caretaker government will be in charge during Prinsjesdag 2025. A caretaker government has consequences for the Budget Memorandum, in which the government announces its plans for the coming year.
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A caretaker government for Prinsjesdag
When the prime minister offers the resignation of all ministers and secretaries to the King, the government becomes 'demissionair', a caretaker government. A caretaker government remains in place until a new council of ministers is formed after elections. The King grants resignation to the members of the caretaker government before he appoints the new cabinet.
It is the 11th time in post-war history that a caretaker government leads the country during Budget Day, known in Dutch as Prinsjesdag. It also happened in 1956, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1989, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2017 and 2021.
A caretaker government takes care of daily business, but usually does not present new policies. It also organises new elections. The cabinet does not take political decisions on what are considered controversial issues. The House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer ) decides which issues can only be debated and decided upon after the elections and the ensuing cabinet fomration.
Amendments on controversial issues are not debated until there is new government. The caretaker government can still make new policies if it is in the national interest, and this cannot wait until the elections. The House of Representatives decides if this is allowed.
A caretaker government 'keeps the shop open' in the period between a government resigning and the upcoming elections. This also means that it presents the Budget Memorandum on Prinsjesdag. This document contains the Dutch budget for the coming year.
The Budget Memorandum of a caretaker government is typically 'light on policy'. This is because the government no longer takes political decisions on 'controversial issues'. The House of Representatives decides which issues can only be decided after the elections and the formation of a new government.
Nevertheless, the Budget Memorandum may contain new policies that are important for entrepreneurs. The outgoing cabinet does present new plans for issues that cannot wait for a new government because they are in the national interest and have broad support in the House of Representatives.
Because of the caretaker government in 2025, important dossiers for entrepreneurs are likely to be delayed. Examples include the nitrogen crisis and compulsory disability insurance.
