The cabinet wants the central government to work more effectively and efficiently, making clear choices. For example, in the areas of external hiring, administrative processes, and the use of digital possibilities. This is stated by Minister Uitermark of Interior and Kingdom Relations in a letter to the House of Representatives.

The coalition agreement stipulates that a system change at the central government is necessary: less bureaucracy, fewer rules, less administration and accountability burdens, and more functioning as one organization. The focus is on the importance of citizens and businesses. At the same time, the government faces significant challenges and there is a shortage in the labor market. All of this together calls for a critical view of the functioning of the Rijk according to the cabinet. This is linked to a budgetary target of 22% which amounts to a structural cut of 1 billion euros.

Sharp Choices

Each ministry is examining opportunities for cuts, as they have the best visibility of the choices and their consequences. General frameworks have been agreed upon. For personnel cuts, the focus is first on reducing external hiring. Currently, there is no hiring freeze, but it is being critically assessed whether opening vacancies externally is necessary. By filling vacancies internally, expertise and knowledge are preserved. There are also savings opportunities being explored in the General Administrative Service (ABD), where senior civil servants are employed. A separate letter to Parliament will follow regarding the reform agenda for the simplification of the ABD system, as agreed in the coalition agreement.

Finally, attention is given to working more efficiently. Think of deploying capacity where it is most needed and reducing administrative processes. The use of artificial intelligence can also play a role here. Parliament will be further informed about this.

Quality First

Ministers report on the choices they make within the framework of the budgetary target in departmental budgets and annual reports. The financial implications of the choices made will be visible in the supplementary budgets accompanying the Spring Memorandum 2025. The overall picture will be reflected in the Annual Report on Government Management (JBR), which reviews the previous year. The next JBR will be sent to the House of Representatives in May 2025, covering 2024. For the execution of the target, 2024 serves as a baseline. The ministerial committee overseeing the budgetary target ensures the execution of the target and monitors coherence.