Harderwijk appoints experienced former mayor to guide coalition talks
Harderwijk has nominated Gerard Renkema, a seasoned administrator with 17 years of mayoral experience, to lead coalition negotiations. His role could shape local governance, impacting residents through future policy decisions and municipal leadership.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Nominated Scout | Gerard Renkema |
| Previous Role | Mayor of Nijkerk (2007–2024) |
| Additional Experience | Acting mayor of Culemborg (2025), alderman prior to 2007 |
| Appointment Date | April 9, 2026 (extra council meeting) |
| Leading Party | Gemeentebelang Harderwijk Hierden |
| Focus of Talks | Coalition formation for Harderwijk’s municipal governance |
| Region | Gelderland |
The municipality of Harderwijk is responsible for facilitating local governance, including coalition formations after elections. A scout like Renkema plays a critical role in advising parties to form a stable, representative government that aligns with community needs.
Read the full translated article below
Harderwijk nominates former mayor Nijkerk as coalition formation scout
Political parties in Harderwijk have begun the information process and negotiations for the new coalition. This process is being led by the largest party from the elections, Gemeentebelang Harderwijk Hierden. The parties have decided in a meeting to nominate a scout for this process.
Mark de Lange, faction leader of Gemeentebelang Harderwijk Hierden, announced that Gerard Renkema has been nominated as the scout for coalition formation. Mr. Renkema (66) served as mayor of Nijkerk for 17 years (2007-2024). He has been active as an administrator since 1990, first as an alderman and later as mayor. Last year, he also served as acting mayor of Culemborg for seven months. In addition to his extensive administrative experience, he also has ties to our region.
Connecting administrator
Mark de Lange: “We had already expected in advance that Gerard Renkema would have the support of all parties, which has proven to be the case; that was an important starting point for us. Mr. Renkema is known as a calm, connecting administrator who knows how to win trust. He is not actively involved in current politics, but due to his ties to the region, he is well aware of what is and will be happening.”
Specific mandate during extra council meeting
During an extra council meeting on April 9, he will be appointed as the scout to provide advice on the formation of a coalition. During the meeting, each party can – openly and transparently – briefly provide input that is relevant to the exploration. The information process will focus on this in the coming period.
Result presented during public meeting
The outcome of the exploration assignment will then be announced during a public meeting. The scout will then present the advice on coalition formation to the parties.