wethouder

A wethouder, or alderman in English, is a member of the municipal executive in the Netherlands. They form part of the college van burgemeester en wethouders (the College of Mayor and Alderpersons), the executive body that runs the day-to-day administration of a municipality. Wethouders are typically responsible for one or more policy portfolios, such as housing, finance, public works, education, social affairs, or mobility. The exact distribution of portfolios varies by municipality.

Role and functions

Wethouders contribute to the preparation and execution of municipal policy. They propose policy decisions to the municipal council, oversee the implementation by municipal departments, and represent the municipality in official duties and public affairs within their areas of responsibility. They work under the leadership of the mayor, who chairs the college and represents the municipality externally.

Appointment and accountability

Wethouders are appointed by the municipal council based on nominations from the mayor and the executive. They usually serve for the term of the municipal council (often four years) and can be dismissed by a majority vote of the council. They may be members of the municipal council or external candidates, but their role within the executive requires coordination with the council and adherence to national and local laws.

Relation to other bodies

The wethouders operate within the framework of the municipal council, which holds legislative authority, and the civil service that carries out administration. Their work is subject to oversight by the council and must align with the policies set by the municipality and the legal framework of the Netherlands (notably the Municipalities Act, Gemeentewet).

Variations

The number of wethouders depends on municipality size; larger municipalities have more portfolios, while smaller ones have fewer. The title is specific to the Dutch municipal system; equivalents exist in other countries with different titles and structures.