Adopted on: ۱۷ Feb ۱۹۸۳
Chapter ۱ Fundamental Rights
Article ۱ [Equality]
All persons in the Netherlands shall be treated equally in equal circumstances.
Discrimination on the grounds of religion٫ belief٫ political opinion٫ race٫ or
sex or on any other grounds whatsoever shall not be permitted.
Article ۲ [Citizenship]
(۱) Dutch nationality shall be regulated by Act of Parliament.
(۲) The admission and expulsion of aliens shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament.
(۳) Extradition may take place only pursuant to a treaty. Further regulations
concerning extradition shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۴) Everyone shall have the right to leave the country٫ except in the cases
laid down by Act of Parliament.
Article ۳ [Eligibility Right]
All Dutch nationals shall be equally eligible for appointment to public
service.
Article ۴ [Right to Vote]
Every Dutch national shall have an equal right to elect the members of the
general representative bodies and to stand for election as a member of those
bodies٫ subject to the limitations and exceptions prescribed by Act of
Parliament.
Article ۵ [Petitions]
Everyone shall have the right to submit petitions in writing to the competent
authorities.
Article ۶ [Religion٫ Belief]
(۱) Everyone shall have the right to manifest freely his religion or belief٫
either individually or in community with others٫ without prejudice to his
responsibility under the law.
(۲) Rules concerning the exercise of this right other than in buildings and
enclosed places may be laid down by Act of Parliament for the protection of
health٫ in the interest of traffic and to combat or prevent disorders.
Article ۷ [Expression]
(۱) No one shall require prior permission to publish thoughts or opinions
through the press٫ without prejudice to the responsibility of every person
under the law.
(۲) Rules concerning radio and television shall be laid down by Act of
Parliament. There shall be no prior supervision of the content of a radio or
television broadcast.
(۳) No one shall be required to submit thoughts or opinions for prior approval
in order to disseminate them by means other than those mentioned in the
preceding paragraphs٫ without prejudice to the responsibility of every person
under the law. The holding of performances open to persons younger than sixteen
years of age may be regulated by Act of Parliament in order to protect good
morals.
(۴) The preceding paragraphs do not apply to commercial advertising.
Article ۸ [Association]
The right of association shall be recognized. This right may be restricted by
Act of Parliament in the interest of public order.
Article ۹ [Assembly]
(۱) The right of assembly and demonstration shall be recognized٫ without
prejudice to the responsibility of everyone under the law.
(۲) Rules to protect health٫ in the interest of traffic and to combat or
prevent disorders may be laid down by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۰ [Privacy]
(۱) Everyone shall have the right to respect for his privacy٫ without prejudice
to restrictions laid down by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
(۲) Rules to protect privacy shall be laid down by Act of Parliament in
connection with the recording and dissemination of personal data.
(۳) Rules concerning the rights of persons to be informed of data recorded
concerning them and of the use that is made thereof٫ and to have such data
corrected shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۱ [Personal Integrity]
Everyone shall have the right to inviolability of his person٫ without prejudice
to restrictions laid down by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۲ [Home]
(۱) Entry into a home against the will of the occupant shall be permitted only
in the cases laid down by or pursuant to Act of Parliament٫ by those designated
for the purpose by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
(۲) Prior identification and notice of purpose shall be required in order to
enter a home under the preceding paragraph٫ subject to the exceptions
prescribed by Act of Parliament. A written report of the entry shall be issued
to the occupant.
Article ۱۳ [Secrecy of Communication]
(۱) The privacy of correspondence shall not be violated except٫ in the cases
laid down by Act of Parliament٫ by order of the courts.
(۲) The privacy of the telephone and telegraph shall not be violated except٫ in
the cases laid down by Act of Parliament٫ by or with the authorization of those
designated for the purpose by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۴ [Property]
(۱) Expropriation may take place only in the public interest and on prior
assurance of full compensation٫ in accordance with regulations laid down by or
pursuant to Act of Parliament.
(۲) Prior assurance of full compensation shall not be required if in an
emergency immediate expropriation is called for.
(۳) In the cases laid down by or pursuant to Act of Parliament there shall be a
right to full or partial compensation if in the public interest the competent
authority destroys property or renders it unusable or restricts the exercise of
the owner”s rights to it.
Article ۱۵ [Personal Liberty٫ Arrest]
(۱) Other than in the cases laid down by or pursuant to Act of Parliament٫ no
one may be deprived of his liberty.
(۲) Anyone who has been deprived of his liberty other than by order of a court
may request a court to order his release. In such a case he shall be heard by
the court within a period to be
laid down by Act of Parliament. The court shall order his immediate release if
it considers the deprivation of liberty to be unlawful.
(۳) The trial of a person who has been deprived of his liberty pending trial
shall take place within a reasonable period.
(۴) A person who has been lawfully deprived of his liberty may be restricted in
the exercise of fundamental rights in so far as the exercise of such rights is
not compatible with the deprivation of liberty.
Article ۱۶ [Nulla Poena Sine Lege]
No offence shall be punishable unless it was an offence under the law at the
time it was committed.
Article ۱۷ [Right to be Heard]
No one may be prevented against his will from being heard by the courts to
which he is entitled to apply under the law.
Article ۱۸ [Right to Counsel]
(۱) Everyone may be legally represented in legal and administrative
proceedings.
(۲) Rules concerning the granting of legal aid to persons of limited means
shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۹ [Work]
(۱) It shall be the concern of the authorities to promote the provision of
sufficient employment.
(۲) Rules concerning the legal status and protection of working persons and
concerning co-determination shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۳) The right of every Dutch national to a free choice of work shall be
recognized٫ without prejudice to the restrictions laid down by or pursuant to
Act of Parliament.
Article ۲۰ [Welfare]
(۱) It shall be the concern of the authorities to secure the means of
subsistence of the population and to achieve the distribution of wealth.
(۲) Rules concerning entitlement to social security shall be laid down by Act
of Parliament.
(۳) Dutch nationals resident in the Netherlands who are unable to provide for
themselves shall have a right٫ to be regulated by Act of Parliament٫ to aid
from the authorities.
Article ۲۱ [Environment]
It shall be the concern of the authorities to keep the country habitable and to
protect and improve the environment.
Article ۲۲ [Health]
(۱) The authorities shall take steps to promote the health of the population.
(۲) It shall be the concern of the authorities to provide sufficient living
accommodation.
(۳) The authorities shall promote social and cultural development and leisure
activities.
Article ۲۳ [Education]
(۱) Education shall be the constant concern of the Government.
(۲) All persons shall be free to provide education٫ without prejudice to the
authorities” right of supervision and٫ with regard to forms of education
designated by law٫ its right to examine the competence and moral integrity of
teachers٫ to be regulated by Act of Parliament.
(۳) Education provided by public authorities shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament٫ paying due respect to everyone”s religion or belief.
(۴) The authorities shall ensure that primary education is provided in a
sufficient number of public-authority schools in every municipality. Deviations
from this provision may be permitted under rules to be established by Act of
Parliament on condition that there is opportunity to receive the said form of
education.
(۵) The standards required of schools financed either in part or in full from
public funds shall be regulated by Act of Parliament٫ with due regard٫ in the
case of private schools٫ to the freedom to provide education according to
religious or other belief.
(۶) The requirements for primary education shall be such that the standards
both of private schools fully financed from public funds and of
public-authority schools are fully guaranteed. The relevant provisions shall
respect in particular the freedom of private schools to choose their teaching
aids and to appoint teachers as they see fit.
(۷) Private primary schools that satisfy the conditions laid down by Act of
Parliament shall be financed from public funds according to the same standards
as public-authority schools. The conditions under which private secondary
education and pre-university education shall receive contributions from public
funds shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۸) The Government shall submit annual reports on the state of education to the
Parliament.
Chapter ۲ Government
Section ۱ The King
Article ۲۴
The title to the Throne shall be hereditary and shall vest in the legitimate
descendants of King William I٫ Prince of Orange-Nassau.
Article ۲۵
On the death of the King٫ the title to the Throne shall pass by hereditary
succession to the King”s legitimate descendants in order of seniority٫ the
same rule governing succession by the issue of descendants who predecease the
King. If the King has no descendants٫ the title to the Throne shall pass in the
same way to the legitimate descendants of the King”s parent and then of his
grandparent who are in the line of succession but are not further removed from
the deceased King than the third degree of consanguinity.
Article ۲۶
For the purposes of hereditary succession٫ the child of a woman pregnant at the
moment of the death of the King shall be deemed already born. If it is
stillborn it shall be deemed to have never existed.
Article ۲۷
Hereditary succession to the Throne in the event of abdication shall take place
according to the rules set out in the above articles. Children born after an
abdication and their descendants shall be excluded from the hereditary
succession.
Article ۲۸
(۱) The King shall be deemed to have abdicated if he contracts a marriage
without havinggg obtained approval by Act of Parliament.
(۲) Anyone in line of succession to the Throne who contracts such a marriage
shall be excluded from the hereditary succession٫ together with any children
born of the marriage and their issue.
(۳) The two Chambers of the Parliament (Parliament) shall meet to consider and
decide upon a Bill for granting such approval in joint session.
Article ۲۹
(۱) One or more persons may be excluded from the hereditary succession by Act
of Parliament if exceptional circumstances necessitate.
(۲) The Bill for this purpose shall be presented by or on behalf of the King.
The two Chambers of the Parliament shall consider and decide upon the matter in
joint session. Such a Bill shall be passed only if at least two-thirds of the
votes cast are in favor.
Article ۳۰
(۱) A successor to the Throne may be appointed by Act of Parliament if it
appears that there will otherwise be no successor. The Bill shall be presented
by or on behalf of the King٫ upon which the Chambers shall be dissolved. The
newly convened Chambers shall discuss and decide upon the matter in joint
session. Such a Bill shall be passed only if at least two-thirds of the votes
cast are in favor.
(۲) The Chambers shall be dissolved if there is no successor on the death or
abdication of the King. The newly convened Chambers shall meet in joint session
within four months of the decease or abdication in order to decide on the
appointment of a King. They may appoint a successor only if at least two-thirds
of the votes cast are in favor.
Article ۳۱
(۱) An appointed King may be succeeded only by his legitimate descendants by
virtue of hereditary succession.
(۲) The provisions on hereditary succession and the first paragraph of this
article shall apply by analogy to an appointed successor who has not yet become
King.
Article ۳۲
Upon assuming the royal prerogative the King shall be sworn in and inaugurated
as soon as possible in the capital city٫ Amsterdam٫ at a public and joint
session of the two Chambers of the Parliament. The King shall swear or promise
allegiance to the Constitution and that he will faithfully discharrrge his
duties. Specific rules shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.
Article ۳۳
The King shall not exercise the royal prerogative before attaining the age of
eighteen.
Article ۳۴
The guardianship of a King who is a minor shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament. The two Chambers of the Parliament shall meet in joint session to
consider and decide upon the matter.
Article ۳۵
(۱) If the Council of Ministers is of the opinion that the King is unable to
exercise the royal prerogative it shall inform the two Chambers of the
Parliament accordingly and shall also present to them the recommendation it has
requested from the Council of State. The two Chambers of the Parliament shall
then meet in joint session.
(۲) If the two Chambers of the Parliament share this opinion٫ they shall then
resolve that the King is unable to exercise the royal prerogative. This
resolution shall be made public on the instructions of the President of the
joint session and shall enter into force immediately.
(۳) As soon as the King regains the ability to exercise the royal prerogative٫
notice of the fact shall be given in an Act of Parliament. The two Chambers of
the Parliament shall consider and decide upon the matter in joint session. The
King shall resume the exercise of the royal prerogative as soon as the Act has
been made public.
(۴) If it has been resolved that the King is unable to exercise the royal
prerogative٫ guardianship over his person shall٫ if necessary٫ be regulated by
Act of Parliament. The two Chambers of the Parliament shall consider and decide
upon the matter in joint session.
Article ۳۶
The King may temporarily relinquish the exercise of the royal prerogative and
resume the exercise thereof pursuant to Act of Parliament. The relevant Bill
shall be presented by or on behalf of the King. The two Chambers of the
Parliament shall consider and decide upon the matter in joint session.
Article ۳۷
(۱) The royal prerogative shall be exercised by a Regent:
(a) until the King has attained the age of eighteen;
(b) if the title to the Throne may vest in an unborn child;
(c) if it has been resolved that the King is unable to exercise the royal
prerogative;
(d) if the King has temporarily relinquished the exercise of the royal
prerogative;
(e) in the absence of a successor following the death or abdication of the
King.
(۲) The Regent shall be appointed by Act of Parliament. The two Chambers of the
Parliament shall consider and decide upon the matter in joint session.
(۳) In the cases specified in Paragraph (۱)(c) and (d) above٫ the descendant of
the King who is the heir presumptive shall become Regent by right if he has
attained the age of eighteen.
(۴) The Regent shall swear or promise allegiance to the Constitution and that
he will faithfully discharrrge his duties before the two Chambers of
Parliament meeting in joint session. Rules regarding the office of Regent shall
be made by Act of Parliament٫ which may contain provisions for succession and
replacement. The two Chambers of the Parliament shall consider and decide upon
the matter in joint session.
(۵) Articles ۳۵ and ۳۶ shall apply by analogy to the Regent.
Article ۳۸
The royal prerogative shall be exercised by the Council of State until such
time as alternative provision is made for the exercise of such power.
Article ۳۹
Membership of the Royal House shall be regulated by Act of Parliament.
Article ۴۰
(۱) The King shall receive annual payments from the State according to rules to
be laid down by Act of Parliament. The Act shall also specify which other
members of the Royal House shall receive payments from the State and shall
regulate the payments themselves.
(۲) The payments received by them from the State٫ together with such assets as
are of assistance to them in the exercise of their duties٫ shall be exempt from
personal taxation. In addition٫ anything received by the King or his heir
presumptive from a member of the Royal House by inheritance or as a gift shall
be exempt from inheritance tax٫ transfer tax٫ or gifts tax. Additional
exemption from taxation may be granted by Act of Parliament.
(۳) Bills containing legislation as referred to in the previous paragraphs may
be passed by the Parliament only if at least two-thirds of the votes cast are
in favor.
Article ۴۱
The King shall organize his Household٫ taking due account of the public
interest.
Section ۲ The King and the Ministers
Article ۴۲
(۱) The Government shall comprise the King and the Ministers.
(۲) The Ministers٫ and not the King٫ shall be responsible for acts of
government.
Article ۴۳
The Prime Minister and the other Ministers shall be appointed and dismissed by
Royal Decree.
Article ۴۴
(۱) Ministries shall be established by Royal Decree. They shall be headed by a
Minister.
(۲) Non-departmental Ministers may also be appointed.
Article ۴۵
(۱) The Ministers shall together constitute the Council of Ministers.
(۲) The Prime Minister shall be the chairman of the Council of Ministers.
(۳) The Council of Ministers shall consider and decide upon overall government
policy and shall promote the coherence thereof.
Article ۴۶
(۱) State Secretaries may be appointed and dismissed by Royal Decree.
(۲) A State Secretary shall act with ministerial authority in place of the
Minister in cases in which the Minister considers it necessary; the State
Secretary shall observe the Minister”s instructions in such cases.
Responsibility shall rest with the State Secretary without prejudice to the
responsibility of the Minister.
Article ۴۷
All Acts of Parliament and Royal Decrees shall be signed by the King and by one
or more Ministers or State Secretaries.
Article ۴۸
The Royal Decree appointing the Prime Minister shall be countersigned by the
latter. Royal Decrees appointing or dismissing Ministers and State Secretaries
shall be countersigned by the Prime Minister.
Article ۴۹
Upon accepting office Ministers and State Secretaries shall swear an oath or
make an affirmation and promise in the presence of the King٫ in the manner
prescribed by Act of Parliament٫ that they have not done anything which may
legally debar them from holding office٫ and shall also swear or promise
allegiance to the Constitution and that they will faithfully discharrrge their
duties.
Chapter ۳ Parliament
Section ۱ Organization and composition
Article ۵۰
The Parliament shall represent the entire people of the Netherlands.
Article ۵۱
(۱) The Parliament shall consist of a Second Chamber and a First Chamber.
(۲) The Second Chamber shall consist of one hundred and fifty members.
(۳) The First Chamber shall consist of seventy-five members.
(۴) The two Chambers shall be deemed a single entity when they meet in joint
session.
Article ۵۲
(۱) The duration of both Chambers shall be four years.
(۲) The duration of the First Chamber shall be amended accordingly if the
duration of the provincial councils is altered by Act of Parliament to a term
other than four years.
Article ۵۳
(۱) The members of both Chambers shall be elected by proportional
representation within the limits to be laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۲) Elections shall be by secret ballot.
Article ۵۴
(۱) The members of the Second Chamber shall be elected directly by the Dutch
nationals who have attained the age of eighteen٫ with the exception of any
Dutch nationals who may be excluded by Act of Parliament by virtue of the fact
that they are not resident in the Netherlands.
(۲) The following persons shall not be entitled to vote:
(a) anyone who has committed an offence designated by Act of Parliament and has
been sentenced as a result by irrevocable judgement of a court of law to a
custodial sentence of not less than one year and simultaneously disqualified
from voting;
(b) anyone who has been deemed legally incompetent by irrevocable judgement of
a court because of mental disorder.
Article ۵۵
The members of the First Chamber shall be chosen by the members of the
provincial councils. The election shall take place not more than three months
after the election of the members of the provincial councils except in the
event of the dissolution of the Chamber.
Article ۵۶
To be eligible for membership of the Parliament٫ a person must be a Dutch
national٫ must have attained the age of eighteen years and must not have been
disqualified from voting.
Article ۵۷
(۱) No one may be a member of both Chambers.
(۲) A member of the Parliament may not be a Minister٫ State Secretary٫ member
of the Council of State٫ member of the General Chamber of Audit٫ member of the
Supreme Court٫ or Procurator General or Advocate General at the Supreme Court.
(۳) Notwithstanding the above٫ a Minister or State Secretary who has offered to
tender his resignation may combine the said office with membership of the
Parliament until such time as a decision is taken on such resignation.
(۴) Other public functions which may not be held simultaneously by a person who
is a member of the Parliament or of one of the Chambers may be designated by
Act of
Parliament.
Article ۵۸
Each Chamber shall examine the credentials of its newly appointed members and
shall decide with due reference to rules to be established by Act of Parliament
any disputes arising in connection with the credentials or the election.
Article ۵۹
All other matters pertaining to the right to vote and to elections shall be
regulated by Act of Parliament.
Article ۶۰
Upon accepting office٫ members of the Chambers shall swear an oath or make an
affirmation and promise before the Chamber in the manner prescribed by Act of
Parliament that they have not done anything which may legally debar them from
holding office٫ and shall also swear or promise allegiance to the Constitution
and that they will faithfully discharrrge their duties.
Article ۶۱
(۱) Each Chamber shall appoint a President from among its members.
(۲) Each Chamber shall appoint a Clerk who٫ like the other officials of the two
Chambers٫ may not be a member of the Parliament.
Article ۶۲
The President of the First Chamber shall preside when the two Chambers meet in
joint session.
Article ۶۳
Financial remuneration for members and former members of the Parliament and
their dependents shall be regulated by Act of Parliament. The Chambers may pass
a Bill on the matter only if at least two-thirds of the votes cast are in
favor.
Article ۶۴
(۱) Each of the Chambers may be dissolved by Royal Decree.
(۲) A decree for dissolution shall also require new elections to be held for
the Chamber which has been dissolved and the newly elected Chamber to meet
within three months.
(۳) The dissolution shall take effect on the day on which the newly elected
Chamber meets.
(۴) The duration of a Second Chamber that meets following a dissolution shall
be determined by Act of Parliament; the term may not exceed five years. The
duration of a First Chamber that meets following a dissolution shall end at the
time at which the duration of the dissolved Chamber would have ended.
Section ۲ Procedure
Article ۶۵
A statement of the policy to be pursued by the Government shall be given by or
on behalf of the King before a joint session of the two Chambers of the
Parliament that shall be held every year on the third Tuesday in September or
on such earlier date as may be prescribed by Act of Parliament.
Article ۶۶
(۱) The sittings of the Parliament shall be held in public.
(۲) The sittings shall be held in camera if one tenth of the members present so
require or if the President considers it necessary.
(۳) The Chamber٫ or the two Chambers meeting in joint
session٫ shall then decide whether the deliberations are to continue and the
decisions to be taken in camera.
Article ۶۷
(۱) The two Chambers may deliberate or take decisions٫ either separately or in
joint session٫ only if more than half of the members are present.
(۲) Decisions shall be taken by majority.
(۳) The members shall not be bound by a mandate or instructions when casting
their votes.
(۴) Voting on items of business not relating to individuals shall be oral and
by roll call if requested by one member.
Article ۶۸
Ministers and State Secretaries shall provide orally or in writing the Chambers
either separately or in joint session٫ with any information requested by one or
more members٫ provided that the provision of such information does not conflict
with the interests of the State.
Article ۶۹
(۱) Ministers and State Secretaries shall have the right to attend sittings of
the Parliament and may take part in the deliberations.
(۲) They may be invited to be present at sittings of the Chambers of the
Parliament meeting either separately or in joint session.
(۳) They may be assisted at the sittings by persons nominated by them.
Article ۷۰
The two Chambers shall jointly and separately have the right of inquiry to be
regulated by Act of Parliament.
Article ۷۱
Members of the Parliament٫ Ministers٫ State Secretaries٫ and other persons
taking part in deliberations may not be prosecuted or otherwise held liable in
law for anything they say during the sittings of the Parliament or of its
committees or for anything they submit to them in writing.
Article ۷۲
Each Chamber of the Parliament and the two Chambers in joint session shall draw
up rules of procedure.
Chapter ۴ Council of State٫ Chamber of Audit٫ Advisory Bodies
Article ۷۳
(۱) The Council of State or a section of the Council shall be consulted on
Bills and draft general administrative orders as well as proposals for the
approval of treaties by the Parliament. Such consultation may be dispensed with
in cases to be laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۲) The Council or a section of the Council shall be responsible for
investigating administrative disputes where the decision has to be given by
Royal Decree٫ and for advising on the ruling to be given in the said dispute.
(۳) The Council or a section of the Council may be required by Act of
Parliament to give decisions in administrative disputes.
Article ۷۴
(۱) The King shall be President of the Council of State. The heir presumptive
shall be legally entitled to have a seat on the Council on attaining the age of
eighteen. Other members of the Royal House may be granted a seat on the Council
by or in accordance with an Act of Parliament.
(۲) The members of the Council shall be appointed for life by
Royal Decree.
(۳) They shall cease to be members of the Council on resignation or on
attaining an age to be determined by Act of Parliament.
(۴) They may be suspended or dismissed from membership by the Council in
instances specified by Act of Parliament.
(۵) Their legal status shall in other respects be regulated by Act of
Parliament.
Article ۷۵
(۱) The organization٫ composition and powers of the Council of State shall be
regulated by Act of Parliament.
(۲) Additional duties may be assigned to the Council or a section of the
Council by Act of Parliament.
Article ۷۶
The General Chamber of Audit shall be responsible for examining the State”s
revenues and expenditures.
Article ۷۷
(۱) The members of the General Chamber of Audit shall be appointed for life by
Royal Decree from a list of three persons per vacancy drawn up by the Second
Chamber of the Parliament.
(۲) They shall cease to be members on resignation or on attaining an age to be
determined by Act of Parliament.
(۳) They may be suspended or dismissed from membership by the Supreme Court in
cases to be laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۴) Their legal status shall in other respects be regulated by Act of
Parliament.
Article ۷۸
(۱) The organization٫ composition and powers of the General Chamber of Audit
shall be regulated by Act of Parliament.
(۲) Additional duties may be assigned to the General Chamber of Audit by Act of
Parliament.
Article ۷۹
(۱) Permanent bodies to advise on matters relating to legislation and
administration of the State shall be established by or pursuant to Act of
Parliament.
(۲) The organization٫ composition and powers of such bodies shall be regulated
by Act of Parliament.
(۳) Duties in addition to advisory ones may be assigned to such bodies by or
pursuant to Act of Parliament.
Article ۸۰
(۱) The recommendations made by the bodies referred to in the present chapter
shall be made public according to rules to be laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۲) Other than in cases to be laid down by Act of Parliament٫ recommendations
made in respect of Bills presented by or on behalf of the King shall be
submitted to the Parliament.
Chapter ۵ Legislation and Administration
Section ۱ Acts of Parliament and other regulations
Article ۸۱
Acts of Parliament shall be passed jointly by the Government and the
Parliament.
Article ۸۲
(۱) Bills may be presented by or on behalf of the King or by the Second Chamber
of the Parliament.
(۲) Bills which require consideration by a joint session of the Parliament may
be presented by or on behalf of the King or by a joint session of the
Parliament insofar as this is consistent with the relevant articles of Chapter
۲.
(۳) Bills to be presented by the Second Chamber or by a joint session of the
Parliament shall be introduced in the Chamber or the joint session as the case
may be by one or more members.
Article ۸۳
Bills presented by or on behalf of the King shall be sent to the Second Chamber
or to the joint session if consideration by a joint session of the Parliament
is required.
Article ۸۴
(۱) A Bill presented by or on behalf of the King that has not yet been passed
by the Second Chamber or by a joint session of the Parliament may be amended by
the Chamber or the joint session as the case may be on the proposal of one or
more members or by the Government.
(۲) Any Bill being presented by the Second Chamber or a joint session of the
Parliament that has not yet been passed may be amended by the Chamber or joint
session as the case may be on the proposal of one or more members or by the
member or members introducing the Bill.
Article ۸۵
As soon as the Second Chamber passes a Bill or resolves to present a Bill٫ it
shall send it to the First Chamber which shall consider the Bill as sent to it
by the Second Chamber. The Second Chamber may instruct one or more of its
members to defend a Bill presented by it in the First Chamber.
Article ۸۶
(۱) A Bill may be withdrawn by or on behalf of the proposer until such time as
it is passed by the Parliament.
(۲) A Bill which is to be presented by the Second Chamber or by a joint session
of the Parliament may be withdrawn by the member or members introducing it
until such time as it is passed.
Article ۸۷
(۱) A Bill shall become an Act of Parliament once it has been passed by the
Parliament and ratified by the King.
(۲) The King and the Parliament shall inform each other of their decision on
any Bill.
Article ۸۸
The publication and entry into force of Acts of Parliament shall be regulated
by Act of Parliament. They shall not enter into force before they have been
published.
Article ۸۹
(۱) General administrative orders shall be established by Royal Decree.
(۲) Any regulations to which penalties are attached shall be embodied in such
orders only in accordance with an Act of Parliament. The penalties to be
imposed shall be determined by Act of Parliament.
(۳) Publication and entry into force of general administrative orders shall be
regulated by Act of Parliament. They shall not enter into force before they
have been published.
(۴) Paragraph (۲) shall apply by analogy to other generally binding regulations
laid down on behalf of the State for five years or until a time to be
determined by or pursuant to Act of Parliament. These regulations shall not
enter into force until they have been published.
Section ۲ Miscellaneous Provisions
Article ۹۰
The Government shall promote the development of the international rule of law.
Article ۹۱
(۱) The Kingdom shall not be bound by treaties٫ nor shall such treaties be
denounced without the prior approval of the Parliament. The cases in which
approval is not required shall be specified by Act of Parliament.
(۲) The manner in which approval shall be granted shall be laid down by Act of
Parliament٫ which may provide for the possibility of tacit approval.
(۳) Any provisions of a treaty that conflict with the Constitution or which
lead to conflicts with it may be approved by the Chambers of the Parliament
only if at least two-thirds of the votes cast are in favor.
Article ۹۲
Legislative٫ execccutive٫ and judicial powers may be conferred on
international institutions by or pursuant to a treaty٫ subject٫ where
necessary٫ to the provisions of Article ۹۱ (۳).
Article ۹۳
Provisions of treaties and of resolutions by international institutions٫ which
may be binding on all persons by virtue of their contents shall become binding
after they have been published.
Article ۹۴
Statutory regulations in force within the Kingdom shall not be applicable if
such application is in conflict with provisions of treaties that are binding on
all persons or of resolutions by international institutions.
Article ۹۵
Rules regarding the publication of treaties and decisions by international
institutions shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.
Article ۹۶
(۱) A declaration that the Kingdom is in a state of war shall not be made
without the prior approval of the Parliament.
(۲) Such approval shall not be required in cases where consultation with
Parliament proves to be impossible as a consequence of the actual existence of
a state of war.
(۳) The two Chambers of the Parliament shall consider and decide upon the
matter in joint session.
(۴) The provisions of the first and third paragraphs shall apply by analogy to
a declaration that a state of war has ceased.
Article ۹۷
(۱) All Dutch nationals who are capable of doing so shall have a duty to
cooperate in maintaining the independence of the State and defending its
territory.
(۲) This duty may also be imposed on residents of the Netherlands who are not
Dutch nationals.
Article ۹۸
(۱) To protect its interests٫ the State shall maintain Armed Forces consisting
of volunteers and conscripttts.
(۲) The Government shall have supreme authority over the armed forces.
(۳) Compulsory service in the armed forces shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament. The obligations which may be imposed
on persons not belonging to the armed forces in relation to the defence of the
country shall also be regulated by Act of Parliament.
Article ۹۹
The conditions on which exemption is granted from military service because of
serious conscientious objectttions shall be specified by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۰۰
Foreign troops shall not be employed other than pursuant to an Act of
Parliament.
Article ۱۰۱
If all or any of the persons liable for compulsory military service but not
actually serving in the armed forces at the time are called up by Royal Decree
in time of war or threat of war or in other exceptional circumstances٫ a Bill
shall be presented to the Parliament forthwith to regulate where necessary
their continued service in the armed forces.
Article ۱۰۲
(۱) All expenses in connection with the armies of the State shall be met from
central government funds.
(۲) No inhabitant or municipality may be required to assist with the billeting
or maintenance of troops٫ or with transports or supplies of any descriptttion
whatsoever requisitioned by the State for the armies or defenses of the
country٫ other than in accordance with general rules laid down by Act of
Parliament and upon payment of compensation.
(۳) Exceptions to the general rules shall be laid down by Act of Parliament for
application in time of war or threat of war or in other exceptional
circumstances.
Article ۱۰۳
(۱) The cases in which a state of emergency٫ as defined by Act of Parliament٫
may be declared by Royal Decree in order to maintain internal or external
security shall be specified by Act of Parliament. The consequences of such a
declaration shall be governed by Act of Parliament.
(۲) Such a declaration may depart from the provisions of the Constitution
relating to the powers of the execccutive bodies of the provinces٫
municipalities٫ and water control boards٫ the basic rights laid down in Article
۶٫ insofar as the exercise of the right contained in this article other than in
buildings and enclosed places is concerned٫ Articles ۷٫ ۸٫ ۹٫ ۱۲ (۲)٫ ۱۳ and
۱۱۳ (۱) and (۳).
(۳) Immediately after the declaration of a state of emergency and whenever it
considers it necessary٫ until such time as the state of emergency is terminated
by Royal Decree٫ the Parliament shall decide the duration of the state of
emergency. The two Chambers of the Parliament shall consider and decide upon
the matter in joint session.
Article ۱۰۴
Taxes imposed by the State shall be levied pursuant to Act of Parliament. Other
levies imposed by the State shall be regulated by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۰۵
(۱) The estimates of the State”s revenues and expenditures shall be laid
down by Act of Parliament.
(۲) Bills containing general estimates shall be presented by or on behalf of
the King every year on the date specified in Article ۶۵.
(۳) A statement of the State”s revenues and expenditures shall
be presented to the Parliament in accordance with the provisions of the
relevant Act of Parliament. The balance sheet approved by the General Chamber
of Audit shall be presented to the Parliament.
(۴) Rules relating to the management of the State”s finances shall be
prescribed by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۰۶
The monetary system shall be regulated by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۰۷
(۱) Civil law٫ criminal law and civil and criminal procedure shall be regulated
by Act of Parliament in general legal codes without prejudice to the power to
regulate certain matters in separate Acts of Parliament.
(۲) The general rules of administrative law shall be laid down by Act of
Parliament.
Article ۱۰۸
(۱) The establishment٫ powers and procedures of any general independent bodies
for investigating complaints relating to actions of the authorities shall be
regulated by Act of Parliament.
(۲) Appointment to such bodies shall be made by the Second Chamber of the
Parliament if their jurisdiction covers the actions of the central authorities.
Members may be dismissed in cases prescribed by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۰۹
The legal status of public servants shall be regulated by Act of Parliament.
Rules regarding employment protection and co-determination for public servants
shall also be laid down by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۱۰
In the exercise of their duties government bodies shall observe the right of
public access to information in accordance with rules to be prescribed by Act
of Parliament.
Article ۱۱۱
Honors shall be established by Act of Parliament.
Chapter ۶ The Administration of Justice
Article ۱۱۲
(۱) The judgement of disputes involving rights under civil law and debts shall
be the responsibility of the judiciary.
(۲) Responsibility for the judgement of disputes which do not arise from
matters of civil law may be granted by Act of Parliament either to the
judiciary or to courts that do not form part of the judiciary. The method of
dealing with such cases and the consequences of decisions shall be regulated by
Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۱۳
(۱) The judgement of offenses shall also be the responsibility of the
judiciary.
(۲) Disciplinary proceedings established by government bodies shall be
regulated by Act of Parliament.
(۳) A sentence entailing deprivation of liberty may be imposed only by the
judiciary.
(۴) Different rules may be established by Act of Parliament for the trial of
cases outside the Netherlands and for martial law.
Article ۱۱۴
Capital punishment may not be imposed.
Article ۱۱۵
Appeal to a higher administrative authority shall be admissible in the case of
the disputes referred to in Article ۱۱۲ (۲).
Article ۱۱۶
(۱) The courts which form part of the judiciary shall be specified by Act of
Parliament.
(۲) The organization٫ composition and powers of the judiciary shall be
regulated by Act of Parliament.
(۳) ln cases provided for by Act of Parliament٫ persons who are not members of
the judiciary may take part with members of the judiciary in the administration
of justice.
(۴) The supervision of members of the judiciary responsible for the
administration of justice of the manner in which such members and the persons
referred to in the previous paragraph fulfil their duties shall be regulated by
Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۱۷
(۱) Members of the judiciary responsible for the administration of justice and
the Procurator General at the Supreme Court shall be appointed for life by
Royal Decree.
(۲) Such persons shall cease to hold office on resignation or on attaining an
age to be determined by Act of Parliament.
(۳) In cases laid down by Act of Parliament such persons may be suspended or
dismissed by a court that is part of the judiciary and designated by Act of
Parliament.
(۴) Their legal status shall in other respects be regulated by Act of
Parliament.
Article ۱۱۸
(۱) The members of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands shall be appointed from
a list of three persons drawn up by the Second Chamber of the Parliament.
(۲) In the cases and within the limits laid down by Act of Parliament٫ the
Supreme Court shall be responsible for annulling court judgements which
infringe the law (cassation).
(۳) Additional duties may be assigned to the Supreme Court by Act of
Parliament.
Article ۱۱۹
Present and former members of the Parliament٫ Ministers٫ and State Secretaries
shall be tried by the Supreme Court for offenses committed while in office.
Proceedings shall be instituted by Royal Decree or by a resolution of the
Second Chamber.
Article ۱۲۰
The constitutionality of Acts of Parliament and treaties shall not be reviewed
by the courts.
Article ۱۲۱
Except in cases laid down by Act of Parliament٫ trials shall be held in public
and judgements shall specify the grounds on which they are based. Judgements
shall be pronounced in public.
Article ۱۲۲
(۱) Remission of sentence shall be granted by Royal Decree upon the
recommendation of a court designated by Act of Parliament and with due regard
to regulations to be laid down by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
(۲) Pardons shall be granted by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
Chapter ۷ Provinces٫ Municipalities٫ and Other Public Bodies
Article ۱۲۳
(۱) Provinces and municipalities may be dissolved and new ones established by
Act of Parliament.
(۲) Revisions to provincial and municipal boundaries shall be regulated by Act
of Parliament.
Article ۱۲۴
(۱) The powers of provinces and municipalities to regulate and administer their
own internal affairs shall be delegated to their administrative organs.
(۲) Provincial and municipal administrative organs may be required by or
pursuant to Act of Parliament to provide regulation and administration.
Article ۱۲۵
(۱) The provinces and municipalities shall be headed by provincial and
municipal councils respectively. Their meetings shall be public except in cases
provided for by Act of Parliament.
(۲) ln addition٫ the administration of a province shall consist of the
provincial execccutive and the King”s Commissioner; the administration
of a municipality shall consist of the municipal execccutive and the Mayor.
(۳) King”s Commissioners and Mayors shall preside over the meetings of
provincial councils and municipal councils respectively.
Article ۱۲۶
The King”s Commissioner may also be charrrged by Act of Parliament with the
execccution of official instructions to be given by the Government.
Article ۱۲۷
Provincial and municipal by-laws shall be enacted by the provincial or
municipal councils respectively٫ except in cases specified by Act of Parliament
or by them pursuant to an Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۲۸
Except in cases laid down in Article ۱۲۳٫ the powers referred to in Article ۱۲۴
(۱) may be assigned to bodies other than those specified in Article ۱۲۵ only by
the provincial or municipal councils respectively.
Article ۱۲۹
(۱) The members of provincial and municipal councils shall be directly elected
by Dutch nationals resident in the province or municipality as the case may be
who satisfy the requirements laid down for elections to the Second Chamber of
the Parliament. The same conditions apply to membership.
(۲) The members shall be elected by proportional representation within the
boundaries to be laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۳) Articles ۵۳ (۲) and ۵۹ shall apply.
(۴) The duration of provincial and municipal councils shall be four years
unless otherwise provided for by Act of Parliament.
(۵) The positions which may not be held simultaneously with membership shall be
specified by Act of Parliament. The Act may also provide that obstacles to
membership will arise from family ties or marriage and that the commission of
certain acts designated by Act of Parliament may result in loss of membership.
(۶) The members shall not be bound by a mandate or instructions when casting
their votes.
Article ۱۳۰
The right to elect members of a municipal council and the right
to be a member of a municipal council may be granted by Act of Parliament to
residents who are not Dutch nationals provided they fulfil at least the
requirements applicable to residents who are Dutch nationals.
Article ۱۳۱
The King”s Commissioners and the Mayors shall be appointed by Royal Decree.
Article ۱۳۲
(۱) Both the organization of provinces and municipalities and the composition
and powers of their administrative organs shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament.
(۲) Supervision of the administrative organs shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament.
(۳) Decisions by the administrative organs shall be subject to prior
supervision only in cases specified by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
(۴) Decisions by the administrative organs may be quashed only by Royal Decree
and on the ground that they conflict with the law or the public interest.
(۵) Provisions in the event of non-compliance in matters of regulation and
administration required under Article ۱۲۴ (۲)٫ shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament. Provisions may be made by Act of Parliament notwithstanding
Articles ۱۲۵ and ۱۲۷ in cases of gross neglect of duty by the administrative
organs of a province or municipality.
(۶) The taxes which may be levied by the administrative organs of provinces and
municipalities and their financial relationships with the central government
shall be regulated by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۳۳
(۱) Insofar as it is not otherwise provided by or pursuant to Act of
Parliament٫ the establishment or dissolution of water control boards٫ the
regulation of their duties and organization together with the composition of
their administrative organs shall be effected by provincial by-law according to
rules laid down by Act of Parliament.
(۲) The legislative and other powers of the administrative organs of water
control boards and public access to their meetings shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament
(۳) Supervision of these administrative organs by provincial and other bodies
shall be regulated by Act of Parliament. Decisions by the administrative organs
may be quashed only if they conflict with the law or the public interest.
Article ۱۳۴
(۱) Public bodies for the professions and trades and other public bodies may be
established and dissolved by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
(۲) The duties and organization of such bodies٫ the composition٫ and powers of
their administrative organs and public access to their meetings shall be
regulated by Act of Parliament. Legislative powers may be granted to their
administrative organs by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
(۳) Supervision of the administrative organs shall be regulated by Act of
Parliament. Decisions by the administrative organs may be quashed only if they
are in conflict with the law or the public interest.
Article ۱۳۵
Rules pertaining to matters in which two or more public bodies are involved
shall be laid down by Act of Parliament. These may provide for the
establishment of a new public body٫ in which case Article ۱۳۴ (۲) and (۳)٫
shall apply.
Article ۱۳۶
Disputes between public bodies shall be settled by Royal Decree unless they
fall within the competence of the judiciary or decisions are referred to other
bodies by Act of Parliament.
Chapter ۸ Revision of the Constitution
Article ۱۳۷
(۱) An Act of Parliament shall be passed stating that an amendment to the
Constitution in the form proposed shall be considered.
(۲) The Second Chamber may divide a Bill presented for this purpose into a
number of separate Bills٫ either upon a proposal presented by or on behalf of
the King or otherwise.
(۳) The two Chambers of the Parliament shall be dissolved after the Act
referred to in the first paragraph has been published.
(۴) The newly elected Chambers shall consider the Bill and it shall be passed
only if at least two thirds of the votes cast are in favor.
(۵) The Second Chamber may divide a Bill for the amendment of the Constitution
into a number of separate Bills٫ either upon a proposal presented by or on
behalf of the King or otherwise٫ if at least two-thirds of the votes cast are
in favor.
Article ۱۳۸
(۱) Before Bills to amend the Constitution which have been given a second
reading have been ratified by the King٫ provisions may be introduced by Act of
Parliament whereby:
(a) the proposals adopted and the unamended provisions of the Constitution are
adjusted to each other as required;
(b) the division into chapters٫ sections٫ and articles and the headings and
numbering thereof are modified.
(۲) A Bill containing provisions as referred to under Paragraph (۱)(a) shall be
passed by the two Chambers only if at least two-thirds of the votes cast are in
favor.
Article ۱۳۹
Amendments to the Constitution passed by the Parliament and ratified by the
King shall enter into force immediately after they have been published.
Article ۱۴۰
Existing Acts of Parliament and other regulations and decrees which are in
conflict with an amendment to the Constitution shall remain in force until
provisions are made in accordance with the Constitution.
Article ۱۴۱
The text of the revised Constitution shall be published by Royal Decree in
which the chapters٫ sections and articles may be renumbered and references to
them altered accordingly.
Article ۱۴۲
The Constitution may be brought into line with the charrrter for the Kingdom
of the Netherlands by Act of Parliament. Articles ۱۳۹٫ ۱۴۰ and ۱۴۱ shall apply
by analogy.
[Chapter ۹] Additional Articles
Article ۱
Article ۲ (۴) shall enter into force after five years or on such earlier date
as may be prescribed by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
Article ۲
Article ۴ shall not apply to general representative bodies existing at the time
of the entry into force of Article ۴ whose members are not elected in
accordance with the provisions of that article until such time as the election
of the members of the body in question is arranged in accordance with Article
۴.
Article ۳
Insofar as it relates to the exercise other than in buildings or enclosed areas
of the right referred to in Article ۶ (۱)٫ Article ۶ shall enter into force
after five years or on such earlier date as may be prescribed by or pursuant to
Act of Parliament.
Article ۴
The following provision shall remain in force until such time as statutory
measures provide otherwise:
”The stipends٫ pensions and other forms of income of any sort received by
various religious denominations or their ministers shall continue to be paid to
the said denominations. Ministers who do not receive a stipend from public
funds٫ or who receive one that is insufficient٫ may be awarded a stipend or
their existing stipend may be increased.”
Article ۵
Insofar as it relates to the right of demonstration٫ Article ۹ shall enter into
force after five years or on such earlier date as may be prescribed by or
pursuant to Act of Parliament.
Article ۶
Article ۱۰ (۱) shall enter into force after five years or on such earlier date
as may be prescribed by or pursuant to Act of Parliament. This period may be
extended by Act of Parliament for not more than five years. Different dates may
be set for the entry into force of the various areas of application of Article
۱۰ (۱).
Article ۷
Article ۱۱ shall enter into force after five years or on such earlier date as
may be prescribed by or pursuant to Act of Parliament. This period may be
extended by Act of Parliament for not more than five years. Different dates may
be set for the entry into force of the various areas of application of Article
۱۱.
Article ۸
Except insofar as it relates٫ with respect to privacy of correspondence٫ to the
mail or such other public body as may be entrusted with the carriage of mail٫
Article ۱۳ shall enter into force after five years or on such earlier date as
may be prescribed by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
Article ۹
Article ۱۶ shall not apply to offenses made punishable under the Wartime
Offenses Decree.
Article ۱۰
Article ۱۹ (۳) shall enter into force after five years or on such earlier date
as may be prescribed by or pursuant to Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۱
The wording of the oaths and affirmations laid down in Articles ۴۴٫ ۵۳٫ and ۵۴
of the ۱۹۷۲ text of the Constitution shall remain in force until provision is
made by Act of Parliament.
Article ۱۲
Article ۸۶ (۵) and (۶) of the ۱۹۷۲ text of the Constitution shall remain in
force until the Act of Parliament referred to in Article ۴۹ has entered into
force.
Article ۱۳
Persons who are members of the Second Chamber when Article ۵۲ enters into force
shall vacate their seats at the beginning of the session of the Chamber elected
under Article ۵۵ unless the Chamber is dissolved earlier. Anyone replacing a
member who dies or ceases to hold office before that date shall also vacate his
seat at the start of the aforementioned period.
Article ۱۴
(۱) As long as the right of Dutch nationals who are not residents of the
Netherlands to vote in elections to the Second Chamber of the Parliament is not
compatible with the charrrter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands٫ Article ۵۴
(۱) shall read:
”The members of the Second Chamber shall be directly elected by Dutch
nationals who are resident in the Netherlands and have attained the age of
eighteen”.
(۲) The time at which Article ۵۴ (۱) shall enter into force in the version
referred to above shall be laid down by Royal Decree.
Article ۱۵
An Act of Parliament shall determine which of those persons disqualified from
voting when the Act of Parliament adjusting the statutory provisions relating
to disqualification from voting in accordance with Article ۵۴ entered into
force shall continue to be disqualified thereafter.
Article ۱۶
Article ۵۶ shall read twenty-one years in place of eighteen years until such
time as the statutory age of majority is lowered to eighteen years. The time at
which the first mentioned version shall enter into force shall be laid down by
Royal Decree.
Article ۱۷
Article ۱۰۶ (۴) of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the Constitution shall remain in force
until an Act of Parliament containing the relevant provisions has been passed.
Article ۱۸
Articles ۹۷ and ۱۰۱ (۲) of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the Constitution shall remain in
force until the Act of Parliament referred to in Article ۶۰ has entered into
force.
Article ۱۹
The wording of the proclamation of Acts of Parliament as laid down in Article
۸۱ of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the Constitution٫ the wording of messages
accompanying bills sent from one Chamber to the other or to the King and of the
King”s message to the Parliament containing his decision on the Bill٫ as
laid down in Articles ۱۲۳٫ ۱۲۴٫ ۱۲۷٫ ۱۲۸٫ and ۱۳۰ of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the
Constitution٫ shall remain in force until such time as other arrangements are
made.
Article ۲۰ {…}
Article ۲۱
The provisions of the following articles of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the
Constitution shall remain in force until a relevant Act of Parliament has been
passed:
(a) Articles ۶۱ and ۶۴٫ with reference to tacit approval;
(b) Article ۶۲.
The provisions of Articles ۶۱ and ۶۴ of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the Constitution
shall remain in force with regard to the tacit approval of agreements affecting
the Netherlands Antilles as long as Article ۲۴ of the ۱۹۷۵ version of the
charrrter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands applies.
Article ۲۲
Article ۲۰۱ (۴) of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the Constitution shall remain in force
for five years or for a shorter period to be laid down by or pursuant to Act of
Parliament.
Article ۲۳
Article ۱۵ (۲) may be disregarded by Acts of Parliament as referred to in
Article ۱۰۳ (۱) for a period of five years after the entry of the latter
article into force.
Article ۲۴
Generally binding provisions regarding the legal status of public servants that
do not derive from an Act of Parliament may be amended in the same way as they
were established until the entry into force of an Act regulating the said legal
status.
Article ۲۵
Article ۷۴ (۱) of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the Constitution shall remain in force
until an Act of Parliament containing the relevant provisions has been passed.
Article ۲۶
Article ۱۲۲ (۱) shall enter into force after five years or on such earlier date
as may be prescribed by or pursuant to Act of Parliament. Until then٫ the
provisions of Article ۷۷ (۱) and (۲) of the ۱۹۷۲ version of the Constitution
shall remain in force.
Article ۲۷
As long as the age at which statutory minority ends has not been lowered to
eighteen years٫ members of provincial and municipal councils shall be required٫
notwithstanding Article ۱۲۹ (۱)٫ to have attained the age of twenty-one. The
point at which the exception to Article ۱۲۹ referred to in the previous
sentence shall cease to apply shall be laid down by Royal Decree.
Article ۲۸
Article ۱۳۰ shall not enter into force as long as the grant of the right to
vote and to stand for election in elections to municipal councils to residents
who are not Netherlands nationals is not compatible with the charrrter of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands. The time at which the article shall enter into
force shall be laid down by Royal Decree.
Article ۲۹
Provisions in other regulations than the Act of Parliament under whose
provisions disputes between public bodies are settled other than by Royal
Decree shall remain in force for five years provided that settlement of such
disputes has not been provided for by Act of Parliament within this period.