A Political and Economic Dictionary of Western Europe, First Edition
The Tweede Kamer is the lower house of the bicameral parliament, the States General, in the Netherlands. It is made up of 150 members who are elected by a system of proportional representation for a four-year term. The most recent elections took place on 22 January 2003 following the collapse of the first, short-lived, Balkenende government.
Nine parties are represented in the Tweede Kamer that was elected in 2003 (number of seats in brackets): Christian Democratic Appeal (44); the Labour Party (42); People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (27); Green-Left (8); List Pim Fortuyn (8); Socialist Party (8); Democrats 66 (6); Christian Union (3) and the Political Reformed Party (2). There are two independent deputies. Of the current members of the Tweede Kamer, 55 (36.7%) are women.
The Tweede Kamer shares legislative competence with the Eerste Kamer. It is the only house of parliament with the right to amend legislation. It controls government, and in conflicts between the government and the Tweede Kamer the latter makes the final decision. It also has the right to approve the national budget.
Address: Plein 2, 2511 CR The Hague, Netherlands, or Postbus 20018, 2500 EA The Hague, Netherlands
Tel: (0)70 3182211
Fax: (0)70 3182234
E-mail: voorlichting@tweedekamer.nl
Internet: www.tweedekamer.nl
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