gemeentebestuur

Gemeentebestuur is the local government of a municipality in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions. It is responsible for organizing and delivering public services, implementing national and local policies, and maintaining order and safety within the municipality.

The municipal government typically consists of two main bodies: the elected municipal council (gemeenteraad) and the executive College van Burgemeester en Wethouders (College of Mayor and Aldermen). The municipal council is the legislative body, elected by residents in municipal elections every four years. It sets local policy, approves the budget, and exercises oversight over the executive. The College van Burgemeester en Wethouders is the executive body, headed by the burgemeester (mayor) and comprising several wethouders (aldermen) who oversee day-to-day administration and policy implementation.

The burgemeester plays a dual role: he or she chairs both the council and the college, represents the municipality externally, and is responsible for public order and safety, often in cooperation with the police. Aldermen are appointed after coalition negotiations and are tasked with managing specific portfolios such as housing, spatial planning, education, social care, and streets and infrastructure. The gemeentesecretaris (municipal secretary) and the civil service provide professional support to both bodies.

Elections and accountability are governed by national and local law, with the council holding legislative authority and the mayor and college responsible for execution. The governance framework is primarily defined by the Gemeentewet (Municipalities Act) in the Netherlands, which outlines powers, budgeting, appendages, and oversight. The term municipal government can also apply to similar structures in Dutch-speaking regions, with variations in exact titles and processes.