U bevindt zich op: Home › Government Policy › Forming a new government Huidig dossier: Forming a new government

Consultations: first step in formation of government

The first step in forming a government is for the outgoing government to tender its resignation, usually when a general election is held. The Queen considers the governments resignation and asks the government to continue doing everything it considers to be in the interests of the Kingdom.

When the election results have been announced, the Queen consults the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, the Vice President of the Council of State and all leaders of the parliamentary parties represented in the Lower House.

Acting on their advice, the Queen then asks one or more informateurs to explore the possibilities for forming a coalition government that can count on majority support in the House of Representatives.