1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,800 The Dutch parliamentary year starts on the third Tuesday in September. 2 00:00:04,360 --> 00:00:10,040 On this day Ð known as PrinceÕs Day Ð the King and Queen travel in the Glass Coach to the Hall of Knights in The Hague. 3 00:00:10,360 --> 00:00:16,560 Assembled there are the ministers, state secretaries, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and distinguished guests. 4 00:00:17,440 --> 00:00:21,520 Together, the Senate and the House of Representatives make up the States General. 5 00:00:23,680 --> 00:00:28,640 The King opens the new parliamentary session of the States General by reading the Speech from the Throne. 6 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:34,280 In this official address, the King outlines the governmentÕs plans for the coming year. 7 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:38,760 And then there is the ceremonial briefcase. 8 00:00:39,400 --> 00:00:46,480 On PrinceÕs Day, the Minister takes the briefcase to the House of Representatives and presents the National Budget and Budget Memorandum. 9 00:00:49,040 --> 00:00:53,160 The National Budget comprises the individual budgets of all ministries. 10 00:00:53,880 --> 00:00:57,040 In essence, they are bills that must still pass through parliament. 11 00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:05,040 In the briefcase, we can also find the Budget Memorandum which gives additional information about the budget. 12 00:01:05,680 --> 00:01:11,800 In the Memorandum, the government unfolds its plans and provides the anticipated revenue and expenditure. 13 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:18,840 Revenue mainly comes from taxes and social insurance contributions.. 14 00:01:19,200 --> 00:01:22,400 ..but also other sources such as the sale of natural gas. 15 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:33,880 On the expenditure side, the government indicates how much it plans to spend, for instance on education, social security, health care and security. 16 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:42,720 It also comments on the national and international economic situation and gives an indications of the Dutch financial situation. 17 00:01:43,440 --> 00:01:49,120 After PrinceÕs Day, it is the turn of the House of Representatives to respond to the governmentÕs plans. 18 00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:55,880 All the ministers and state secretaries assemble for the Parliamentary Debate on the Speech from the Throne.. 19 00:01:56,360 --> 00:01:59,800 which broadly discusses the governmentÕs policy for the coming year. 20 00:02:00,520 --> 00:02:04,280 The Prime Minister speaks on behalf of the government during the debate. 21 00:02:06,680 --> 00:02:10,320 In October, the parliament debates financial aspects of the budget. 22 00:02:11,200 --> 00:02:15,320 The Minister of Finance discusses the Budget Memorandum and budgetary policy. 23 00:02:15,800 --> 00:02:21,440 In the following months, the budget of all government ministries are individually studied and discussed. 24 00:02:21,880 --> 00:02:27,040 Once the members of parliament have given their consent, the plans can be put into practice.