Almelo bids farewell to outgoing council members, four receive Royal Honours
Almelo’s municipal council concluded its term with a final meeting, honoring 20 departing members for their service. Four councillors received Royal Honours for their long-standing dedication. The new council will be installed tonight, marking the start of a fresh four-year term for local governance.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Almelo, Overijssel |
| Outgoing councillors | 20 members (full list in article) |
| Royal Honours awarded | Hans Buitenweg, Frits Akse, Willem Loupatty, Robin Gelici |
| New council term | 2026–2030 |
| Installation date | 1 April 2026, 19:30 |
| Live stream | Available here |
The municipal council of Almelo plays a crucial role in local governance, representing citizens’ interests, approving policies, and overseeing the city’s administration. This transition marks the end of one council term and the beginning of another, ensuring continuity in local decision-making.
Read the full translated article below
Farewell to the municipal council, four Royal Honours awarded
On Tuesday evening, 31 March, the final meeting of the municipal council 2022–2026 took place. On Wednesday evening, 1 April, the new municipal council will be officially installed.
Mayor Richard Korteland, as chair of the municipal council, addressed all those present. “Politics is rarely simple. It requires perseverance, resilience and, above all, commitment. Being a councillor is not a role you can just ‘do on the side’. It is an office that demands time, energy and often patience.” He reflected on the diversity of the council and the differences in style, tone and conviction. “What you all have in common is that you were visible in this arena, approachable and willing to take responsibility.”
Departing councillors
Mayor Korteland had a personal word for the councillors present who will not return to the new council. Some of them chose to end their membership themselves, while others are leaving due to the election results of 18 March. The following councillors took their leave: Monique Moelard, Gosé van de Berg, Sandra van Dorsten, Edwin Groenendal, Elise Klaasen, René Nollen, Anton Pots, Wouter Ravenshorst, Hans Teunis, Rita Tomas, Herman Zwerink, Yvonne Bijenhof, Robin Gelici, Willem Loupatty, Jeroen Wiertz, Hans Buitenweg, Frits Akse, Marike van Doorn, Bert Hümmels and Gijs Stork. Councillors Hans Buitenweg, Frits Akse, Willem Loupatty and Robin Gelici received a Royal Honour for their many years of council work.
Installation of the new municipal council
On Wednesday evening, 1 April at 19:30, the municipal council for the period 2026–2030 will be installed. The 35 councillors will take the oath or pledge in the council chamber, after which they will officially serve as councillors for the next four years. Following the installation of the councillors, they will discuss the report and advice of informateur Kamp. There will then be an opportunity to congratulate the new councillors. The meeting can be followed live via this link.