Kampen coalition talks kick off after 65% voter turnout in municipal elections
Kampen residents have spoken, with 65.12% casting their votes in the 2026 municipal elections. Now, political parties begin coalition talks to form a stable local government, with Michiel van Willigen leading the process as informateur.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Voter Turnout | 65.12% of eligible residents |
| Leading Party | Christian Union (ChristenUnie) |
| Informateur | Michiel van Willigen (Alderman in Zwolle for Christian Union) |
| Key Focus Areas | Stable coalition, minority voices, mutual trust, taboo identification |
| Timeline | Information process aims to conclude within three weeks |
| Next Public Update | 1 April 2026, during new municipal council installation |
| Transparency Channels | De Brug weekly magazine, kampen.raadsinformatie.nl |
The municipal council of Kampen is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, budget allocation, and representing residents' interests. Following elections, the council facilitates coalition formation to ensure a functional and representative local government.
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Start of information process following the 2026 municipal council elections
On 18 March 2026, the municipal council elections took place. In total, 65.12% of eligible residents cast their votes. The official information phase now begins. This is an exploratory phase in which parties examine possible coalitions after the votes have been counted.
On Thursday evening, 19 March, all elected parties met to discuss how they interpret the election results and how the follow-up process will be structured.
Appointment of an informateur
The Christian Union (ChristenUnie) received the most votes in the municipal council elections. They have taken the initiative and proposed Michiel van Willigen as informateur. Van Willigen is an alderman in Zwolle for the Christian Union.
Highlighted text: “Michiel van Willigen has extensive political experience, a broad network, and strong analytical skills. We are pleased that he is willing to take on the role of informateur in Kampen and also feel support for this from the other political parties,” according to Jan Peter van der Sluis.
What does the coming period look like?
In the coming days, the informateur’s mandate will be formulated based on input from all factions. The key points communicated on 19 March will be included:
- Explore the possibilities for a stable coalition that broadly represents Kampen’s society.
- Ensure that the voice of the minority is heard throughout the process.
- Look not only at substantive agreements but also at mutual trust.
- Quickly identify taboos and breaking points.
Before the informateur’s mandate is finalised, all factions will be given the opportunity to review it. The informateur will then hold discussions with each party separately, together with the clerk. Based on these conversations, an information report will be drawn up. The aim is to complete the information process within approximately three weeks.
Transparency and resident involvement
In the council meeting on 1 April 2026, when the new municipal council is installed, all factions will publicly reflect on the elections. The progress of the information process will also be briefly discussed. The report and the informateur’s advice will be publicly discussed during a council meeting. This will be communicated via the council news in the weekly magazine *De Brug* and on the council website kampen.raadsinformatie.nl.