Monday, April 6, 2009

Kingdom or Republic

The past few days I have been thinking whether I support the monarchy or prefer the idea of a republic. The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with an elected government. The responsibilities of the King are stated in the book of Law and so for the government. In Holland the monarchy is not completely symbolical. The Queen does have influence and is popular. There is no real Republican voice. The monarchy is very linked to the personalities of the generation ‘on the throne’ and I must say the Queen Beatrix does have done a good job.

But do I really support a kingdom? It is a remainder of the past and I ask myself, how Royal is Royalty when the class system has disappeared, when traditions are little valued. Still the idea to be a Republic is not something I really fancy. A good functioning kingdom gives reason for celebrations, identity and with changing governments a consistent ‘feel’ to the country.

Mind you the Royal house is a stumbling block for political parties who would like to attack the Queen. How higher in the government, how quieter they become about the kingdom and critique seizes to be heard.

But any government person alike, I don’t like to be confronted with them too much, I just can’t listen to a political speech of our pry-minister or see the members of the R.H. too often, including Obama. In my view a politician needs to be criticized, tested and disputed not praised.

This is a picture of Queen Juliana, the mother of Queen Beatrix. If you are interested, the link to the website of the Royal House

1 comment:

Copenhagen said...

The head of the State is Queen Elizabeth in Canada. Although we do not have any tie with U.K we still have the Queen's face on our currency and stamps.

I don't mind to live in a country with a Queen...I actually think it's quite cool.