Long-serving VVD councillor in Pekela receives royal honour upon departure
Jolanda Fridrichs-Kok, a dedicated VVD councillor in Nieuwe Pekela, has been awarded the title Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau after nearly 16 years of service. Her departure leaves the local VVD without representation, marking the end of an era for the community.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jolanda Fridrichs-Kok |
| Honour | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Position | VVD councillor, Pekela municipal council |
| Years of Service | Nearly 16 years |
| Reason for Departure | Incompatibility with job at Martini Hospital |
| Successor Status | No successors; VVD ceases to exist in Pekela |
| Location | Nieuwe Pekela, Groningen |
| Date of Honour | 1 April 2026 |
| Presented by | Mayor Jaap Kuin |
Municipal councils in the Netherlands play a crucial role in local governance, representing political parties and addressing community needs. The Order of Orange-Nassau is a royal honour awarded to individuals for their exceptional contributions to society, often marking the end of long-term public service.
Read the full translated article below
Royal honour for Jolanda Fridrichs-Kok
VVD councillor Jolanda Fridrichs-Kok from Nieuwe Pekela was awarded the title Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau on Tuesday evening during her farewell from the Pekela municipal council.
The 57-year-old Fridrichs-Kok served nearly sixteen years as a liberal representative on the Pekela municipal council. She took over as faction leader in 2014 after a four-year term, succeeding Janneke Westers. Fridrichs-Kok is stepping down from her council duties because her job at the Martini Hospital can no longer be combined with her council membership. She also wishes to spend more time with her husband and children.
Making the decision to step down was extremely difficult for her, as her departure—combined with a lack of successors—means the VVD in Pekela will cease to exist.
Mayor Jaap Kuin presented her with the insignia. During the meeting, farewell was also said to councillors Lex Kuper (former alderman, Lijst Kupers), Henry Gerdes (PvdA), Jur Rensema (SP), Erik Schipper (GroenLinks) and Marga Wubbema (SP).