The two main tasks of Parliament are:

  • to act as co-legislator (article 82 of the Constitution);
  • to exercise control over Government's policies.

 

In order to fulfill these tasks, Members of Parliament have the following powers at their disposal:

  • the right to ask questions (article 62 of the Constitution)

 

Members of Parliament have the right to ask questions to Ministers concerning their policies.

  • the right of interpolation (article 63 of the Constitution)

 

Besides the right to ask questions, Members of Parliament also have the right to call a Minister to Parliament to give account about his/her policies.

  • the right of inquiry (article 64 of the Constitution)

 

Members of Parliament have the right to request Parliament to investigate a specific topic. If Parliament decides to investigate a specific topic, a Committee is set up that will handle in accordance with the National ordinance inquiry.

  • the right of initiative (article 85 of the Constitution)

 

Members of Parliament have the right to initiate a new national ordinance or amend an existing national ordinance.

  • the right of amendment (article 86 of the Constitution)

 

Members of Parliament have the right to propose amendments to a national ordinance that has been submitted to Parliament by Government or one or more Members of Parliament before it is approved or rejected.

  • the right to approve and amend the budget (article 100 of the Constitution)

 

Members of Parliament have the right to have insight into the country’s finances and decide about the allocation and spending of its funds.

In order to fulfill the tasks as aforementioned, the work of Members of Parliament consists predominantly of attending Parliament meetings, questioning Ministers during these meetings and voting on legislation, amendments, motions and other important matters. Making such important decisions requires preparation such as reading the entire file, work visits and speaking with the public. If Parliament deems it necessary it can hold hearings with third parties to receive the information it needs.