Yet another entry about the Netherlands. I am aware that I talk a lot about the country I am currently forced to call my home, but for future reference it is rather essential that I share this information.
The Netherlands are a monarchy. However, compared to other (European) countries they are a very young monarchy of about 200 years old. Most monarchies date well back to the Middle Ages. Not Dutchland. Only during the Restauration of the Ancien Régime after the Napoleontic wars became Dutchland a kingdom. Which, in all fairness, probably was a good decision at the time. Today it is not, or I don't think it is.
In 2009, with 2010 approaching fast, I think it is rather undemocratic to have a head of state by birth. In a modern democracy, people should not be getting money, title or power on grounds of birth. In other words: time for modernisation. In the very least, the royal family should be stripped of all political power. Currently the Queen still chairs the government's most important advisory body: the Council of State. Being also head of said government, she actually advises herself, which I think is quite interesting.
In addition she has power in the formation process after general elections. It is the queen who appoints someone to form a new government. Usually that person is the leader of the winning party, however, theoretically, the choice is hers and she can appoint someone else. After having formed a government, this person usually becomes the Prime Minister. So in fact the Queen appoints the Prime Minister. I know that the English Queen does the same. However, in Britain the party getting the majority of the votes will govern. Alone. In the Netherlands there are a lot of parties in Parliament due to our proportional representative system. Consequently, the government is always a coalition of several parties. In that context I consider it problematic that someone who happens to be born into a certain family, decides who will become Prime Minister.
If someone is to appoint the Prime Minister (indirectly), let that at least be someone who carries the approval of the majority of the country’s citizens. In other words, an elected president. Usually in these discussions, monarchists start by explaining how expensive a president would be, illustrating their argument with the American model. However, we are not in America. We are in Europe. Where the United States have a presidential political system, in Europe we tend to have parliamentary systems which are quite different. A potential Dutch president would not have the power of an American one, but rather be more like the German president. Consequently, he would be cheaper.
He would definitely be cheaper than the Royal family. At the moment the royalties receive money from the government. Or actually from tax payers. For the Queen that is understandable. Rumour has it, even queens eat. She cannot work because being Queen is her job; it is normal procedure to pay someone for the work they do. What is not normal, is to award people benefits in addition to paid work. Ordinary citizens are only eligible for government benefits if they do not work. The Dutch crown prince and his wife both have well-paid jobs. In addition they get money from the government, not to mention substantial travel expenses. Professional and private ones. I don't think this is fair, especially not in times of global financial crisis. The latter seems an excellent opportunity to tell them government will no longer fund them as it will need the money for more constructive purposes. Besides power, claims to government funding should not be based on birth rights.
The Restauration is a long time ago and in 2010 I think it is time to either adopt what we call 'the Swedish model', basically meaning: cut the ribbons and shut up. Better still would be to get rid of the royalties altogether. It is undemocratic and the royal blood of the Dutch royal family is somewhat questionable. They descend from a minor line of a noble family, but by no means royal. The family's highest title was Prince of Orange. I doubt however whether they can still lay claim to Orange as it is part of France.
There was a time we were progressive in this country. Created in 1588, Dutchland may well have been the first country in the world to become a Republic after having been part of the Spanish Empire. Perhaps that is something to be proud of and to cherish. So what about a new Restauration? Wouldn't it be wonderful one day to pay tribute to the Republic by restoring it 500 years after its first establishment? The year 2088 would see the establishment of the Republic of the Twelve United Netherlands, headed by a president we call Stadholder. For old time's sake. Unlike the Stadholders of old he will be elected though. For new time's and democracy's sake.
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