Voorschoten appoints external scout to form new municipal executive board
Voorschoten has appointed Berend Potjer as an independent scout to explore coalition options for a new executive board. Residents can expect clarity within three weeks on how local governance will take shape after recent elections.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointee | Berend Potjer |
| Role | External scout for new executive board formation |
| Municipality | Voorschoten (Zuid-Holland) |
| Proposed by | GroenLinks-PvdA (largest party in municipal council) |
| Process Start | March 27, 2026 |
| Expected Results | Within three weeks |
| Next Step | Public council meeting to discuss findings |
| Previous Experience | Deputy of South Holland (2019–2025), GroenLinks States member, manager |
Municipalities in the Netherlands are responsible for forming local executive boards after elections, ensuring stable governance. The appointment of an external scout helps facilitate negotiations between political parties to reach agreements on coalition formation.
Openrijk is free and ad-free
Do you value our work? Help us stay online with a small contribution.
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Berend Potjer appointed as scout in Voorschoten municipality
Berend Potjer has been appointed as scout in the municipality of Voorschoten. The lead candidates/prospective faction leaders of all parties elected to the municipal council jointly decided this today. They did so on the proposal of the largest party, GroenLinks-PvdA.
Mr. Potjer will explore the possibilities for a new executive board. To this end, he will hold discussions with representatives of all elected parties starting March 27. The results are expected to be presented within three weeks. They will then be discussed during a public council meeting at the town hall. After that, the municipal council will decide on the next steps toward forming a new executive board.
Experienced and pragmatic administrator
Lead candidate Albert Deuzeman of GroenLinks-PvdA explains: “Berend Potjer is an experienced and pragmatic administrator who, as an external scout, can look at the relationships with an objective eye. His strength lies in clear analysis, creative solutions, and open communication. We have confidence that he will carefully guide this process, partly due to his experience as a provincial administrator and as a born connector.”
Deputy, member of the States, and (interim) manager
Mr. Potjer served as deputy of the province of South Holland between 2019 and 2025. Before that, he was a member of the States for GroenLinks and an (interim) manager at various organizations.