A confidence-and-supply agreement (CSA) is a political arrangement between two or more parties that allows a minority government to maintain power while taking into account the interests of other parties or groups. It is a formal agreement whereby a minority government commits to seek support from another party or group on some specific measures or issues.
What is a CSA?
A CSA essentially represents a compromise between two parties, where the smaller party agrees to support the larger party`s government on confidence motions and supply bills for a specific period. Confidence motions are parliamentary motions that, if passed, express the government`s support for the government. Supply bills, on the other hand, are bills that authorize public spending for a specific period such as a fiscal year.
The significance of a CSA
CSA`s are significant in parliamentary systems, especially where there are coalition or minority governments, as they provide political stability, prevent government collapse, and ensure that the government can effectively implement its policies. They are typically used in countries with a proportional or mixed electoral system, where no single party can command an outright majority.
CSAs are also an essential instrument for parties during times of political crisis to form stable governments and provide better governance. They promote cooperation between parties, reduce the risk of political instability, and enhance the involvement of smaller parties in the governing process.
A CSA in practice
In the United Kingdom, following the 2017 snap election, Theresa May`s Conservative Party entered into a CSA with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which allowed the government to operate with a technical majority. The DUP agreed to support the government on important votes related to Brexit legislation and the budget.
In New Zealand, the minority Labour government entered into a confidence-and-supply agreement with the Green Party, allowing them to govern with a majority of just one vote. The agreement included commitments to climate change, education, and mental health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, confidence-and-supply agreements play an important role in parliamentary systems, providing for a stable government and better governance. They allow for the cooperation of parties and the inclusion of smaller parties in the governing process. CSAs are an effective mechanism for forming stable governments during times of political crisis.
