The 12 Dutch provinces spend an average of €370 per citizen, making the provincial governments marginal in terms of government, the Volkskrant says on Friday.

By contrast, national government spends €12,000 on each member of the Dutch population which is just under 17 million people strong. Local councils spend €3,000 per resident.

However, despite the limited financial impact, the provinces are crucial because their council members go on to elect the 75 members of the senate, the paper points out. This is why national issues – such as the positioning of wind turbines – have a prominent role in the provincial election campaign.

The election takes place next Wednesday but only Dutch nationals can vote. Non-nationals, however, can vote for the water boards. That election is also taking place on March 18.

The provinces’ main functions include the regional infrastructure, such as roads, spatial planning and natural parks.

More on the elections