Waddinxveen bids farewell to outgoing councillors and awards royal honours
Waddinxveen celebrated the contributions of its outgoing municipal councillors, with two receiving royal distinctions for their service. The ceremony marked the end of a four-year term, highlighting the dedication of local representatives to the community.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Waddinxveen, Zuid-Holland |
| Event | Farewell ceremony for 2022–2026 municipal council |
| Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Royal Honours Awarded | 2 councillors: Lambert den Dekker (PCW) and Helma Schippers-van Rhee (WeWa) |
| Honour Received | Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Outgoing Councillors | Niels Zoethoutmaar (VVD), Niels Hart (PCW), Hans van Mourik (PCW), Art Jo Wittenberg (D66), Martin Kraaijestein (PvdA/GroenLinks) |
| New Council Sworn In | 1 April 2026 |
The municipal council of Waddinxveen is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, budget allocation, and representing the interests of residents. Ceremonies like this highlight the transition of power and recognize the contributions of outgoing councillors to the community.
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Farewell to councillors and two royal honours
On Tuesday evening, 31 March 2026, the farewell ceremony for the 2022–2026 municipal council of Waddinxveen took place. In the council chamber, Evert Jan Nieuwenhuis, in his role as chairman, thanked all councillors for their dedication: “Each of you has contributed in your own way to this council. With your own convictions, your own style and your own story. And it is precisely that which makes this council what it is. On behalf of the municipal executive, but above all on behalf of the residents of Waddinxveen: thank you for your dedication, your time and your commitment.”
Royal honours
Two councillors were surprised and honoured with the receipt of a royal distinction. Mr Lambert den Dekker (PCW) and Mrs Helma Schippers-van Rhee (WeWa) have been appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
A personal word of thanks
A personal word of thanks followed for the councillors who will not return to the new municipal council. Messrs Niels Zoethoutmaar (VVD), Niels Hart (PCW), Hans van Mourik (PCW), Art Jo Wittenberg (D66) and Martin Kraaijestein (PvdA/GroenLinks) were thanked for their dedication. Mr Kraaijestein was unable to attend the farewell event. This will be addressed at a more suitable time.
On Wednesday evening, 1 April 2026, the new councillors will be sworn in.