Queen's Commissioner

There are two levels of local government in The Netherlands, the provinces and the municipalities.

Related Topics:
Local government - The Netherlands - Municipalities

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The Netherlands are divided into twelve provinces (provincies). They form the tier of administration between central government and the municipalities.

Related Topics:
Administration - Central government - Municipalities

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Each province is governed by a provincial council (provinciale staten). Its members are elected every four years. The main tasks of the provincial council are to decide policies and to oversee their implementation. Each member of the council has a vote and decisions are taken by majority vote of the members present. Council members usually have an ordinary job and undertake their council duties in their spare time. They receive an attendance allowance.

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