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Municipal government and politics

In the Netherlands there is no organization like the municipality when it comes to duties. It is responsible for issuing passports, collecting garbage and issuing welfare benefits. But it also develops new housing estates, builds sports centres and develops contingency plans. Many tasks entail many decisions. But who are the people taking these decisions? The answer to that question is: the municipal administration. This administration consists of the municipal council and the municipal executive (the Mayor and aldermen).

The Municipal Council
The municipal administration is headed by the Municipal council. The municipal council appoints the aldermen, who form the municipal executive together with the Mayor.

The municipal council is responsible for policy- and decision-making. Subsequently, the municipal council monitors whether the objectives set by the municipal executive are met. The Groningen council consists of 39 members.

The Municipal Executive
The municipal executive ensures the day-to-day government of the city. The municipal executive prepares plans on which the municipal council has to take decisions. It provides the implementation of decisions taken by the municipal council and it also takes many practical decisions. The municipal executive is also responsible to the municipal council for the consequences of the policies followed. The Groningen municipal executive consists of the Mayor and six aldermen.

The Mayor
The Mayor is chairman of the municipal executive. He is a member of the municipal executive, but not of the municipal council. In addition he is an independent administrative body within the municipal administration. The Mayor is responsible for public order and safety in Groningen. He also gives the city a face, like the Queen gives the Netherlands a face. The Mayor is appointed by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix.