Three long-serving councillors honored with royal distinctions in Pijnacker-Nootdorp
Three departing councillors in Pijnacker-Nootdorp received royal honors for their years of service to the community. Their dedication has strengthened local democracy and brought politics closer to residents, leaving a lasting impact on the municipality.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Honored Councillors | Sylvia Markerink, Rob van der Welle, Harald van Zielst |
| Award | Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Municipality | Pijnacker-Nootdorp |
| Years of Service | Sylvia: 12 years, Rob: 18+ years (multiple terms), Harald: 17 years |
| New Council Installation | 1 April 2026, 8:00 PM, Emmastraat 165, Pijnacker |
| Public Access | In-person or via Raadsinformatie website |
The municipal council of Pijnacker-Nootdorp plays a key role in local governance, representing residents' interests and shaping policies that affect daily life. The council also recognizes outstanding contributions to the community, such as those honored with royal distinctions.
Read the full translated article below
Ribbons for three departing councillors
Tonight, the municipal council of 2022 – 2026 bid farewell during a special council meeting. Of the 31 councillors, 12 are leaving. We are grateful to all departing councillors for their dedication, involvement and contribution to our municipality over the past years.
For three councillors, this evening was especially memorable. Mayor Björn Lugthart presented a ribbon to Sylvia Markerink, Rob van der Welle and Harald van Zielst. In recognition of their many years of service, they were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau. This royal distinction is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society over a long period. Their years of dedication to the municipal council and the local community have visibly benefited Pijnacker-Nootdorp and deserve special appreciation.
Sylvia Markerink
Sylvia Markerink has been a dedicated and passionate councillor since March 2014. During this time, she became a familiar and approachable face for residents. She worked to reduce the distance between residents and politics and advocated for clear and understandable decisions. This made it easier for residents to follow the municipality’s decision-making process. Sylvia was also active outside the council chamber, helping young people understand how democracy works, for example through the educational programme Democracity.
Rob van der Welle
Rob van der Welle served as a councillor in multiple terms: from 1995 to 2001, from 2014 to 2018 and again since March 2022. He represented the Christian Union and the joint CU/SGP faction. He also served as a non-council member for a time. From 2014 onwards, he held the position of faction leader several times and worked in various committees, including the employers’ committee and the credentials committee. Rob was known as a careful and engaged councillor. In his work, he emphasised the importance of living together, looking out for one another and a government that stands alongside residents.
Harald van Zielst
Harald van Zielst has been active in politics since 2009. He began by founding a local branch of Trots op Nederland, a national political party. In 2014, he became the party’s lead candidate in the municipality and a councillor. In 2017, Trots Pijnacker-Nootdorp became an independent local party with Harald as its lead candidate. His involvement in local politics was marked by personal commitment and conviction. For example, he funded a campaign from his own resources, driven by his belief in the importance of a strong local voice.
Installation of the new municipal council
Tomorrow evening, Wednesday 1 April 2026, the new municipal council will be installed at 8:00 PM. This will take place in the council chamber, Emmastraat 165 in Pijnacker. You are welcome to attend in person or follow the installation digitally via the Raadsinformatie website.