Why did the States General govern the Netherlands after Mary of Burgundy died?

After the death of Mary of Burgundy in 1482, the States-General assumed a governing role because the region’s internal particularism made it difficult to establish a lasting, unified administration.

While Maximilian I initially served as regent following Mary's death, he struggled to effectively manage the diverse social forces within the Low Countries. His attempts to centralize power through high taxation, warfare, and the violation of local privileges during a period of economic crisis led to widespread opposition and revolt. Consequently, the States-General remained a significant political entity, acting as a meeting place for regional deputies and providing a platform for resistance against centralizing authorities. It was only later, under the rule of Philip I the Handsome, that a more successful process of centralization was resumed through the refounding of the Great Council of Malines and the establishment of permanent commissions to handle political and financial matters.1