Farewell to long-serving Fryslân councillors as new term begins
Nineteen councillors in Súdwest-Fryslân bid farewell after dedicating years to local governance. Their contributions, including decades of service by some, highlight the vital role of municipal councils in shaping community policies and representation.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Súdwest-Fryslân, Fryslân |
| Departing Councillors | 19 (some may return if vacancies arise) |
| Royal Honour | Geartsje Horjus-Vos (ChristenUnie) – Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Longest Serving | Corrie Bergstra-Veldhuis (FNP) – 24 years |
| Other Notable Farewells | Johan Feenstra (PvdA) – 20 years, Pieter Greidanus (Nieuw Sociaal) – 23 years |
| New Council Installation | 1 April 2026 |
The municipal council of Súdwest-Fryslân plays a crucial role in local governance, representing residents' interests, overseeing policy implementation, and holding the executive board accountable. Councillors often balance these duties with other professional or volunteer commitments.
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Farewell to the 2022-2026 municipal council
The 2022-2026 municipal council took its leave on Monday, 30 March. Jannewietske de Vries, chair of the municipal council, addressed the 19 councillors who will not return in the next council term. Some of them may still secure a seat later this year if vacancies arise during the appointment of aldermen.
Heartfelt words
In a packed council chamber, surrounded by family, friends and fellow party members, councillors received warm words of thanks for their dedication to residents and local politics. Councillors perform their council duties alongside their regular jobs or volunteer work.
Some of the departing councillors chose not to run again, while others were voted out by the electorate.
Royal Honour
Councillors who have served for more than 12 years may receive a Royal Honour. Ms Geartsje Horjus-Vos (ChristenUnie) was among them. She was appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. In her speech, she looked back on this special period in her life with both laughter and tears.
24 and 20 years as councillor
Corrie Bergstra-Veldhuis (FNP) and Johan Feenstra (PvdA) also took their leave. Two councillors who were long-standing pillars of local politics. Bergstra-Veldhuis served 24 years on the Sneek and Súdwest-Fryslân municipal councils, while Feenstra did so for 20 years. In their speeches, Jannewietske de Vries and fellow councillors expressed great appreciation and respect for their long-standing commitment and hard work.
A special farewell
The council also said goodbye to Pieter Greidanus (Nieuw Sociaal). Due to illness, he had not been able to perform his duties as a councillor in recent months. Greidanus had been active in local politics for 23 years, first for the CDA and later for Nieuw Sociaal, a party he founded himself. He received deep respect and appreciation for his perseverance and immense commitment to society. The mayor praised his role as a connector: “Polityk by de minsken bringe en ynwenners in stim jaan.” She also recalled a well-known saying he often used to urge fellow councillors and the board to work together: “Mei-inoar kinne wy safolle mear.”
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Installation of the new municipal council
The new municipal council will be installed on Wednesday evening, 1 April. See here for the agenda: