Kabinetsperiode

Kabinetsperiode is a term used in several Dutch- and Nordic-speaking political systems to denote the tenure of a national cabinet. It refers to the time span during which a government led by a prime minister or equivalent figure governs, from the cabinet’s formation after elections or a political realignment to its dissolution or replacement.

A cabinet is typically formed after parliamentary elections or a major shift in coalition arrangements. It consists of ministers responsible for distinct policy portfolios who collectively govern under the principle of cabinet responsibility, meaning they are accountable to the parliament for government actions. The duration of a kabinetperiode is not fixed; it generally lasts until the next election, a formal resignation, or a change of government due to a vote of no confidence or loss of parliamentary support. In some cases, the cabinet may continue in a caretaker capacity if elections are postponed or a new cabinet has not yet been formed, ensuring continuity of basic governance without pursuing new policy initiatives.

End of a kabinetperiode often brings policy shifts, cabinet reshuffles, and possibly a new coalition agreement. In coalitional systems, the period reflects the terms of the coalition partners and their bargaining on portfolios and priorities. While in many countries the cabinet’s term aligns with the parliamentary session (for example, roughly four years), it can be shorter or extended by constitutional or political procedures.

Terminology and usage vary by country, but the concept remains the official tenure of a government cabinet within a given political framework.