kabinetsstemming

**Kabinetstemming**

Kabinetstemming is a political process in which a government’s cabinet members are collectively responsible for the actions of the entire ministry, rather than individually. This principle originates from the Dutch political system, where the concept was formalized in the 1980s as a response to growing public distrust in individual ministers. The idea is that if any member of the cabinet takes a controversial or unpopular decision, the entire cabinet must either resign or justify its actions collectively.

The practice emerged as a way to strengthen accountability and transparency, ensuring that decisions made by one minister do not undermine the authority of the entire government. It also helps prevent fragmentation within the cabinet, where individual ministers might pursue conflicting agendas. In practice, cabinet stemming requires ministers to coordinate closely and maintain a unified stance on major policy issues.

While the concept has been adopted in some other European countries, it remains most closely associated with the Netherlands. The Dutch system is often cited as an example of how collective responsibility can enhance governance by fostering trust between political parties and the public. However, critics argue that it can sometimes lead to indecisiveness or reluctance to take bold actions, as ministers may hesitate to act alone for fear of collective blame.

In summary, kabinetstemming is a mechanism designed to improve accountability and cohesion in government, though its effectiveness depends on the political context and the willingness of ministers to prioritize collective responsibility over individual influence.