Administration

The so-called Provincial States make up the overall government of the province. The 55 members are elected every 4 years by those residents of Gelderland that are entitled to vote. Provincial States meet on a monthly basis on issues for which the province is responsible. The members are entitled to vote and are jointly responsible for preparing the province’s budget.

In addition to managing and monitoring the day-to-day administration of the province, Provincial States have another important task; every 4 years they elect the members of the Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal (Upper House of the Dutch Parliament). The Upper House fulfils an important advisory role and assesses proposals for new laws which are submitted by the government and the Lower House.

Provincial Executive
The board of the Provincial Executive constitutes the day-to-day administration of the province. Based on the division of seats after a general election, the political parties form a coalition. This coalition supplies the politicians for the Provincial Executive.

Queen’s Commissioner
The Queen’s Commissioner is appointed by the Dutch government for a period of six years. The Commissioner is the head of both the Provincial Council and the Provincial Executive. He is the ‘face’ of the province and coordinates lobbying activities directed at The Hague and Brussels. The current Queen’s Commissioner, Clemens Cornielje, was appointed in 2005.

Official organization
The official organization advises and supports the Provincial Executive and implements set policy. In this regard, each department has its own specialism and expertise. The General Manager/Secretary is the highest official within the province. The Secretary constitutes the link between the official organization and the political branch of the provincial administration, the board of the Provincial Executive.