Buren bids farewell to long-serving councillors as new council prepares to take over
The municipal council of Buren has concluded its term, honoring nine departing councillors, including two with Royal distinctions. Residents can expect a fresh start as the new council begins its work, guided by a handover document and induction program to ensure continuity in local governance.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Buren (Gelderland) |
| Departing councillors | 9 (including 2 awarded Royal honours) |
| Royal honours | Paul Molleman and Alda van Zijl-Hoek (Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau) |
| Longest-serving councillor | Joop de Jonge (16 years, Party for the Animals) |
| New council swearing-in | 1 April 2026, 19:30, Buren town hall (public welcome or watch online) |
| Handover document | From municipal council to municipal council (recommendations for new council) |
| Citizen members departing | 8 (supported councillors in various party groups) |
The municipal council of Buren represents residents and sets the main policy directions for the municipality, while overseeing the executive board of the mayor and aldermen. This transition marks a routine but critical moment in local democracy, ensuring continuity in governance and policy implementation.
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Municipal Council of Buren makes way for successor
On Tuesday evening, 31 March, the municipal council in its current composition met one last time for a special farewell meeting. Nine councillors took their leave. Mr P.A. (Paul) Molleman and Ms A. (Alda) van Zijl-Hoek received a Royal honour.
The council leaves behind an important document for the new municipal council. The document From municipal council to municipal council describes the experiences and recommendations of the outgoing council to help the new council on its way. In the coming period, the new council will follow an extensive induction programme.
Farewell
A total of nine councillors took their leave. Joop de Jonge is stepping down after sixteen years as a councillor for the Party for the Animals in the municipal council of Buren. During this period, he championed the protection of animals and nature. Hans van Vierssen of the VVD is making way after two council terms to make room for new talent in his party group. He has been committed to housing construction – specifically for younger generations – and the careful management of municipal finances. Willem van Blijderveen is stepping down after four years. Within the CDA party group, he focused on liveability and housing. Nico Michielsen and Leontine de Lange are stepping down after two years as councillors. They will return as citizen members for PvdA-GroenLinks. Hans Lammers also took his leave. He will remain involved with the Gemeentebelangen party group. Finally, Elbert Nap is swapping his position as councillor for that of citizen member in the PCG party group.
In addition to the councillors, citizen members Elbert van Leeuwen (PCG), Karel de Raat (PvdA-GroenLinks), Keimpe Wieringa (PvdA-GroenLinks), Aad van der Sluijs (CDA), Roel van Beekhoff (CDA), Kim van Bodegraven (VVD), Zwanny Naber (PvdD) and Anne van de Werk (PvdD) also took their leave. They supported the councillors in their council work.
Royal honours
Councillors who have served on the municipal council for twelve years or more and are stepping down are eligible for a Royal honour. Mr P.A. (Paul) Molleman and Ms A. (Alda) van Zijl-Hoek have been appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
As a councillor, Paul Molleman focused primarily on spatial planning. He was also a true connector, both within the council and in his Gemeentebelangen party group. He will remain involved in local politics in the role of party group advisor.
After years of active involvement in local politics, councillor Alda van Zijl-Hoek is stepping down. She previously served for more than nine years on the municipal council of Wijk bij Duurstede. Since 2010, she has been involved in the municipal council of Buren. During her time as a councillor, she championed a strong local democracy, information security and inclusivity. She will remain closely involved with the Buren municipal council as a citizen member of the information security committee.
New municipal council
On Wednesday, 1 April, the new municipal council of Buren will be sworn in. The meeting starts at 19:30. You are welcome to attend in the council chamber of the town hall or watch online.
About the municipal council
Every four years, members are elected to the municipal council. The municipal council consists of 21 councillors who are elected by residents during the municipal elections. The council represents our residents and sets the main lines of municipal policy. It also monitors the executive board of mayor and aldermen by checking whether the policy is being implemented properly.