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Speech from the Throne 2006

News item | 19-09-2006

The Netherlands has regained its favourable position. Our country is on a solid footing. The government will work to ensure that the Netherlands takes further measures in 2007 to secure a promising future.

This is the government's message in the Speech from the Throne that Queen Beatrix read on 19 September in the Hall of Knights. 

The Speech from the Throne anticipated the elections on 22 November 2006. 'Free elections are the expression of our individual freedom. But they are likewise important for the responsibility we share for the world around us, for one another and for our future.' 

Peacekeeping
These three responsibilities occupy a prominent place in the Speech from the Throne. 'The fate of the world is our fate too,' said the Queen. The Speech devotes particular attention to the Dutch troops who are bringing order, security and reconstruction as part of critical peacekeeping missions. 'Our thoughts go out to those who have lost loved ones during these missions.' 

The second responsibility that the Speech from the Throne elaborates on is our responsibility to care for one another. 'The government wants to ensure that everyone in the Netherlands can develop fully and can participate in and contribute to our society.' 

The government announced measures to ensure that young people finish school, to improve public safety in the cities and to raise the quality of care in nursing homes. Carers can expect extra support. 

Firm foundation
Future generations, too, must have the opportunity to build a good life in the Netherlands. The government writes that a firm foundation has been laid in recent years on which we can build in the future. 'A great deal has been demanded of the public over recent difficult years. Employees, employers and the government have worked together to ensure that our country can now benefit from the favourable development of the global economy.' 

The government wants to further strengthen the basis for the future by reducing costs for households and companies and investing in the quality of society. 'The Netherlands is performing well.' 

Speech from the Throne
The Speech from the Throne - somewhat shorter this year than in 2005 - lays out government policy for the year ahead. It is read out in a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the two houses of the States General (Parliament). Later the same afternoon the Budget Memorandum and the budgets of the ministries are presented to the House of Representatives.

More information

Source

• Speech from the throne 2006

  22-08-2007

See also

• Budget Memorandum: EMU surplus 0.2% GDP

  News item | 19-09-2006

  A budget surplus of 0.2% of GDP is forecast for 2007. The government intends to improve the economic structure, purchasing power, public security, and youth policy, while keeping government finances on a healthy footing.