Party in the Knights for 200 years the States General

In the presence of King Willem-Alexander talks about the significance of the two Houses of the Dutch democracy; past, present and future.

Today, exactly 200 years ago that the Senate and the House for the first time gathered together. It was the beginning of our bicameral system. In the constitution of 1815 stipulates that the parliament would henceforth consist of two rooms instead of one.

There are speeches by the chairmen of the Senate and House, Ankie Broekers-Knol and Anouchka van Miltenburg. Also, Prime Minister Rutte will give a speech. Further steps among others singer Douwe Bob and the Ragazze Quartet.

Except the king are also members of the government and representatives of Caribbean Netherlands attended the celebration, like a number of dignitaries from home and abroad. Even citizens who have distinguished themselves in their province, are invited.

The coming year looks at 200 years of States General which includes an exhibition, an app, a Facebook page, jubilee books and special tours in the Lower House. Last weekend there was an open house for the public in the Senate and House, where more than 10,000 visitors came to.

The celebration of 200 years of the States-General in line with those of 200 years kingdom, which ended on September 26 on the Amstel River in Amsterdam. Over the past two years, with various events celebrated how the Kingdom of the Netherlands was in the last two centuries form, after the French occupation.

http://nos.nl/ © Reuters