Local government

The Municipality of The Hague is governed by the Municipal Council (Gemeenteraad) and the Municipal Executive (Mayor and aldermen). The roles of the Municipal Council and Municipal Executive are strictly divided. This type of government is referred to as ‘dualistic’.

The Municipal Council is the highest governing body of the municipality. The Council represents the citizens, sets the policy framework – makes important decisions – and controls the Executive. The Municipal Executive is responsible for the daily decision making. 

Every four years citizens of The Hague older than 18 years vote in direct municipal elections to elect members of the Municipal Council.

Municipal Council

The Hague Municipal Council represents the citizens, sets policy framework, makes important decisions and supervises the Municipal Executive.

Municipal Executive

The Mayor and the aldermen form the Municipal Executive which, on the basis of a joint four-year policy programme, is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the city.

Council Meetings

The Municipal Council (Gemeenteraad) meets on a Thursday evening once every three weeks, and the meetings are held in the Council chamber in City Hall at Spui 70 in The Hague.

Council Committees

Council committees prepare for plenary Council meetings by discussing the decisions that the Municipal Council must take.

Municipal Clerk’s Office

The Municipal Clerk (Griffier) is the primary advisor to the Municipal Council in all areas.

Citizen's Right of Initiative

Residents of The Hague 14 years and older can submit a burgerinitiatief to the Municipal Council. This initiative can be about anything that you would like to achieve in your neighbourhood or district.

Municipal Archives

The Municipal Archives of The Hague (Haags Gemeentearchief) is housed in City Hall and is the research centre for the history of The Hague as recorded in documents, sound and visual media.

Monumentenzorg

Monumentenzorg (The Historic Monuments Preservation Section) forms part of the Department of Urban Development, and has been drafting and implementing the policy on historic monuments on the instructions of the municipal administration since 1977.