Court of Audit publishes “Insight into public finances; an invitation to reflect on public accountability”

The main theme of this publication is the need to reflect on parliament’s ability and right to approve the budget: how can future parliaments gain a better understanding of whether the government manages public money sensibly, prudently and responsibly?

The management and allocation of public funds and accountability for them to the States General is the keystone to the parliamentary system in the Netherlands. A great deal has been done in recent years to put public finances in order. Despite the many reorganisations, transitions and reforms, however, it is still difficult to follow a euro from the taxpayer to a public service. And it is sometimes uncertain who can be held accountable for what. Yet public finances should always be transparently and democratically auditable, i.e. by parliament.