Kabinetscrisis

Kabinetscrisis is a term used in Dutch political discourse to describe a crisis in which the cabinet, the executive branch of government, loses the confidence of the parliament or becomes unable to govern effectively. Although most commonly applied to the Netherlands, similar situations occur in other parliamentary systems and are usually described as cabinet crises, government crises, or constitutional crises in other languages.

Causes of a cabinet crisis typically include the withdrawal of support by coalition partners, a major policy disagreement that cannot be bridged, scandals, or external events that undermine the cabinet’s legitimacy. Persistent budgetary conflicts or constitutional deadlock can also trigger a crisis. The fundamental dynamic is a mismatch between the cabinet’s ability to govern and the legislature’s willingness to back its agenda.

Process and resolution usually involve a formal signal of the cabinet’s fragility. The prime minister may offer resignations, or the head of state may invite negotiations for a new coalition or a dissolution of parliament. Parliament may hold confidence or no-confidence votes, and negotiations may lead to a reshuffled cabinet, a caretaker government, or snap elections. In some cases, the cabinet remains in office as a caretaker administration while talks continue.

Consequences of a cabinet crisis include political instability, policy paralysis in the short term, and often extended coalition negotiations or early elections. They can also prompt reforms in coalition practices or constitutional arrangements to reduce future risk.

Notable usage is strongest in the Dutch system, but the underlying phenomenon is common to parliamentary democracies with coalition governments. See also no-confidence vote, confidence, coalition government, and political crisis.