Parliament accepts nominations until 16 February. The requirements for the post include expertise in social and labour law, or in civil and commercial law. Furthermore, the statutes state that the next member should be a woman, as no fewer than 7 out of its 21 members can be of the underrepresented sex. The Council of State members should also reflect the composition of parliament.

Nicky Stoffel, who is a lawyer specialised in commercial law, is not yet a member of the ADR, but is expected to become one over the course of the next days, according to Paperjam.

Other parties can still nominate candidates. A year ago, the government refused to nominate ADR’s Alex Penning, because it wanted to respect the quota on the underrepresented sex, even though it was not yet binding.

The members of the Council of State are appointed for a duration of 15 years. The body reviews parliamentary bills and provides opinions on their constitutionality and cohesion with other legislation.