Long-serving Harderwijk councillor Mirjam Driest-Wijnholds receives royal honour for 12 years of public service
Mirjam Driest-Wijnholds, a dedicated councillor in Harderwijk, has been awarded a Royal Honour after 12 years of service. The recognition highlights her contributions to local governance, including leadership roles in key committees and the search for a new mayor.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mirjam Driest-Wijnholds |
| Honour | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Years of Service | 12 years (2014–2026) |
| Political Affiliation | Christian Union |
| Roles Held | Councillor, Party Group Leader (2018–2024), Committee Chair (2022–2026) |
| Location | Harderwijk, Gelderland |
| Award Presented By | Mayor Jeroen Joon |
| Key Contribution | Chair of the Confidence Committee for mayoral appointment (2023–2024) |
The municipal council of Harderwijk plays a crucial role in local governance, representing citizens' interests and overseeing the appointment of key officials, such as the mayor. Royal Honours are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, often through public service.
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Councillor Mirjam Driest-Wijnholds awarded a royal honour
Mayor Jeroen Joon presented a Royal Honour to Mrs Mirjam Driest-Wijnholds during the municipal council meeting on 31 March. The award was handed over in the council chamber at the City Hall, where Mrs Driest-Wijnholds took her leave from the municipal council after 12 years of service. She has been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Mrs Driest-Wijnholds joined the municipal council for the Christian Union in 2014. Over the years, she served three terms as a councillor and also held the position of party group leader (2018-2024). In 2022, she became chair of the Society and Community Council Committee, and after the committee structure was reorganised (the Society and Community Committee was merged into the People & Society Committee), she took on the role of first deputy committee chair.
Chair of the Confidence Committee
Following the departure of Mayor Harm-Jan van Schaik in September 2023, the search for a new mayor began. Mrs Driest-Wijnholds was appointed chair of the Confidence Committee, which prepares recommendations for the appointment, reappointment and sounding-board discussions of the Mayor of Harderwijk.