Submitting a petition
Do you disagree with particular plans of the national, provincial or municipal authorities? Or do you think that political action is needed? If so, you can let the government know by lodging a petition.
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What is a petition?
A petition is an application to the government. Usually, this will be a complaint about a particular policy or act. It may be about a topic that is on many people’s minds, such as climate change. However, a petition may also be about a personal grievance, for instance about your tax return. The Government must accept the petition, but does not have the obligation to take action.
Who can submit a petition?
Everyone has the right to submit applications to the competent government authority. This right is granted by Article 5 of the Grondwet (Constitution). This article is also known as the "recht van petitie" (right of petition).
You can start a petition on your own or together with a society or foundation. Often a petition is submitted on behalf of a large group of people. The size of the group does not matter. You do not need to collect a particular number of signatures before you can submit a petition.
Petition conditions
- You must lodge the petition in writing. This can also be done electronically.
- In the petition, you must explain which plan or rule you disagree with. You must also state the objective of the petition and give the name of the organiser.
How can you lodge a petition?
There various websites where you can start a digital petition for free. These include petities.nl and petitie24.nl for example. A digital petition will also allow you to collect signatures from people who agree with you.
Submitting a petition with the House of Representatives
You can submit a petition with one of the committees of the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives). If your petition is related to a national initiative, you can also lodge it with the President of the House of Representatives.
Do you want to submit a petition with the House of Representatives? You must sign it in writing. In the petition, write what policy or rule you disagree with. It should also state what you want to achieve and who the organisers are. The presentation of a petition is placed on the list of documents received at the next meeting of the House of Representatives. The committee then decides whether and, if so, when you can come and present your petition.
Write to:
House of Representatives
Attn. Committee [add the name of the relevant committee]
PO Box 20018
2500 EA The Hague