Grand pensionary

This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (August 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

The grand pensionary (Dutch: raadpensionaris) was the most important Dutch official during the time of the Dutch Republic. In theory, a grand pensionary was merely a civil servant of the Estates of the dominant province, the County of Holland, among the Seven United Provinces. In practice, the grand pensionary of Holland was the political leader of the entire Dutch Republic when there was no stadtholder at the centre of power.

The position of the grand pensionary is not easily expressed in modern political terms but is sometimes compared to that of a prime minister. Fundamental differences are that a raadpensionaris had no fellow ministers and no head of state above him.