kabinetvorming

Kabinetvorming is the process in a parliamentary democracy by which a new government is formed after an election or the collapse of a previous government. This process typically involves political parties negotiating to establish a coalition that can command a majority in the legislature. The specific steps and actors involved can vary significantly between countries, but the core objective is to create a stable executive branch with the necessary support to govern.

In many systems, a period of formation follows the election. This might begin with a designated individual, often a senior political figure or a 'formateur' appointed by the head of state or parliament, tasked with exploring potential coalition agreements. This involves consultations with party leaders to identify common ground on policy issues and a distribution of ministerial portfolios. If successful, the formateur presents a proposed coalition government, which then usually requires formal approval from the head of state and/or a vote of confidence from the legislature.

The complexity of kabinetvorming is often influenced by the electoral system and the resulting fragmentation of the party landscape. Proportional representation systems, for example, can lead to a wider range of parties in parliament, necessitating broader coalitions and potentially longer, more intricate negotiation periods. The outcome of kabinetvorming directly determines the composition and policy direction of the government for its term.