Issue Vulnerable rule-of-law watchdogs and power concentration

Summary

The report finds that many institutions acting as watchdogs of the rule of law depend financially on government subsidies, which can make them nervous when their views differ from the government's. Their legal, organisational and financial position leaves them exposed to political pressure or budget decisions. Decision-making in the Netherlands risks leaning too heavily on political majorities and too little on independent review, and because ministers are not legally bound by regulators' advice, pushing legislation through despite negative advice can weaken the rule of law. When political majorities and coalitions force rapid decisions without room for independent scrutiny, power can become concentrated in the cabinet. The report explains that without strong independent advice and review, policy proposals are less well founded and long-term effects are weighed less carefully, which can lead to legal failures such as those in childcare benefits and nitrogen policy.