Three long-serving councillors in Lochem receive Royal honours for dedication to local governance
Three departing councillors in Lochem will be awarded Royal honours for their years of service to local democracy. The awards recognize their contributions to municipal governance, impacting community decisions and policies over multiple terms.
| Name | Award | Party/Role | Term Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marleen van der Meulen | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau | D66, Group Leader (2020-2026) | March 2014 – March 2026 |
| Arjen Dieperink | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Gemeentebelangen, Senior Member (2022-2026) | December 2006 – 2026 |
| Jos Israel | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau | PvdA/Sociaal Democratisch Lochem, Group Leader (2014-2020) | 2014 – 2026 |
The municipal council of Lochem plays a key role in local governance, representing citizens' interests and shaping policies that affect daily life in the community. Royal honours are awarded by the mayor on behalf of the Dutch monarch to individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
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Royal honours for departing councillors
Mayor Frans Backhuijs will present three Royal honours on Monday evening, 30 March 2026. The recipients are Mrs Marleen van der Meulen-Kwakernaak, Mr Arjen Dieperink and Mr Jos Israel. The awards will be presented during the council meeting where farewell is said to councillors who will not return to the new council.
Marleen van der Meulen appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Marleen van der Meulen is stepping down after three terms as a councillor. She served on the municipal council for D66 from March 2014 to March 2026, and was the party’s group leader from March 2020 to 2026.
Arjen Dieperink appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Arjen Dieperink is stepping down after more than four terms as a councillor. He represented Gemeentebelangen on the municipal council from December 2006 to 2026 and served as the council’s senior member from 2022 to 2026, also acting as vice-chair.
Jos Israel appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Jos Israel is stepping down after three terms as a councillor. He represented the PvdA on the municipal council from 2014 to 2025, including six years as group leader. From 2025 to 2026, Jos Israel served on the municipal council as a member of Sociaal Democratisch Lochem.