THE HAGUE, 07/12/00 - The Lower House wants to start sessions again more quickly after elections. The government is considering reducing the period before the first meeting from thirteen to seven days, but the House believes this should be possible within five days.

The proposal was put forward by Labour (PvdA) parliamentary leader Ad Melkert, after his center-left (D66) counterpart Thom de Graaf had appealed for reducing the role of the Queen in Dutch politics. After a general election, the Queen traditionally appoints a cabinet 'formateur' to look into the various coalition possibilities. But this is not actually necessary according to constitutional law.

In Melkert's view, the new Lower House could meet immediately after the election results are known. Home Affairs Minister Klaas de Vries agreed with him to some extent. He referred to a closed meeting of political leaders who could start negotiations on the composition of a new government.

De Vries did consider it possible that in a debate to be held several days later, the House would be unable to decide on a cabinet formateur, and that this would have to be left to Queen after all. Moreover, De Vries stated, this is by definition not an issue for the entire Lower House.

The PvdA and the leftwing greens (GroenLinks) think that the cabinet formation should be discussed at the first meeting of parliament. The conservatives (VVD) see no need for this, but would not oppose it. The party is however afraid of a sham discussion, as are the Christian democrats (CDA). After all, the parties would still be involved in negotiations and would not be willing to show their hand.