Valkenswaard kicks off coalition talks with two experienced explorers after local elections
Residents of Valkenswaard can expect new local policies and leadership as the municipality begins forming a coalition for 2026–2030. Two external explorers will guide the process, aiming to create a stable council program reflecting voter priorities.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Valkenswaard (Noord-Brabant) |
| Election Date | March 18, 2026 |
| Explorers Appointed | Rosanne Franken (Lead) and Stijn van Rooij |
| Exploration Phase | 3 weeks (until April 13, 2026) |
| Next Steps | Public report and recommendation on coalition formation |
| Governing Period | 2026–2030 |
| Lead Explorer’s Role | Municipal Secretary (Waalre), future Director at housing association |
| Co-Explorer’s Role | Head of Safety and Neighborhoods (Tilburg) |
The municipality of Valkenswaard is responsible for local governance, including policy development, public services, and coalition formation after elections. This process ensures democratic representation and the implementation of voter priorities for the next four years.
Openrijk has no cookies or ads
But could use some support
Read the full translated article below
Municipality of Valkenswaard begins exploration phase following 2026 municipal elections
Following the municipal elections of March 18, a clarification meeting was held today in the council chamber of the municipality of Valkenswaard. Representatives of all parties discussed the election results and the next steps toward the new 2026–2030 governing period.
On Thursday, March 26, the central polling station will confirm the final election results. In anticipation of this, the clarification meeting took place, and two explorers were appointed to take the first steps toward forming a new council program and executive board.
Clarification meeting
Mayor Corine van Overdijk opened the evening. The following topics were central:
- A first response to the election results.
- The type of governing coalition parties envision.
- The draft terms of reference for the exploration and the individuals selected as explorers.
Parties praised the pleasant, open atmosphere during the campaign period and thanked voters for their trust. They emphasized their willingness to collaborate constructively and expressed confidence that the process will proceed smoothly. They look forward to discussions with the explorers.
Appointment of explorers
On the recommendation of VOTE Valkenswaard, two explorers have been appointed: Ms. Rosanne Franken and Mr. Stijn van Rooij.
Rosanne Franken will serve as the lead explorer and is ultimately responsible for the report and final recommendations. She currently serves as Municipal Secretary and General Director of the municipality of Waalre and will begin as Director and Board Member at housing association Compaen on May 1, 2026.
Stijn van Rooij is Head of the Safety and Neighborhoods Department in the municipality of Tilburg and has experience as a council advisor and advisor to the informateur.
Terms of reference for the explorers
Over the coming weeks, the explorers will investigate:
- Which party combinations are deemed suitable by the parties to develop a widely supported council program that reflects the election results and addresses Valkenswaard’s priorities for 2026–2030;
- What opportunities parties see for forming a stable executive board for the next four years.
Based on these discussions, the explorers will draft a recommendation outlining the most viable path forward for developing the program and executive board, including a proposal for the next steps.
Approach and next steps
The exploration phase will take three weeks. The explorers will meet with representatives of each party, the mayor, the municipal secretary, and the clerk. The findings will be compiled into a public written report. On Monday, April 13, 2026, the explorers will present their findings and discuss the proposed next steps.