News
The scout recommends a cooperation agreement between the VVD, D66, and Lokaal Wassenaar!
(Publication date: April 8, 2026)
Explorer Mr. Jan Iedema (Alderman Zoetermeer) has concluded his exploration of the possibilities for forming a new coalition. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, he presented his report at De Paauw City Hall in the presence of council and committee members.
Mr. Iedema has recently spoken with all political parties about their interpretation of the election results, their views on forming a coalition, differences in policy, the desired style of governance, and their willingness to participate in a stable municipal government with a positive agenda. The VVD wanted an explorer to assess all possibilities for cooperation without any preemptive obstacles.
Based on the discussions held, Mr. Iedema has drafted a report. His assessment shows that all parties are primarily looking for stable leadership and a coalition that can count on broad support. In this regard, they all emphasize the importance of constructive cooperation during the coming term of office.
Presentation of findings and recommendations
During his presentation, Mr. Iedema looked back on the exploratory talks and outlined the key insights. Based on this, he advised the city council on the most appropriate next step toward forming a coalition. His conclusion is that the formation process can begin with the VVD, D66, and Lokaal Wassenaar! parties—a combination that reflects the election results and the substantive agreements between them.
Recommendations
In addition, Mr. Iedema outlined key points of focus that serve as a framework for a different management style. In this regard, it is important to continue actively investing together in a healthy meeting culture. It is also advisable to revise the rules of procedure so that they better align with the desired management culture. Finally, consideration could be given to setting out clear agreements in a cooperation agreement where necessary and to working on other topics based on broad outlines and guiding principles, with the involvement of the entire council. The report can be found at the bottom of this page.
Working Together for a Positive Agenda
The parties involved in forming the government wish to engage in discussions with all other political groups regarding the substance of the coalition and are calling on them to join this process so that they can collectively take responsibility for a stable and forward-looking coalition.
VVD party leader Laurens van Doeveren is pleased with how theexploratory talks havegone:
“The exploratory talks have provided valuable insights into how the parties view the future of Wassenaar and the willingness to share responsibility. It is good that this process was carefully and broadly designed. With the advice of explorer Mr. Jan Iedema, there is now a solid foundation for the next step toward a cooperation agreement with a positive agenda for Wassenaar.”
Follow-up steps
Mr. Iedema has been asked by the parties involved in the coalition talks to serve as a mediator to guide the process of forming a coalition and a municipal executive. The goal is to reach a cooperation agreement as soon as possible.
New Wassenaar City Council sworn in
(Publication date: April 2, 2026)
On the evening of Wednesday, April 1, Wassenaar’s new municipal council was officially sworn in during a public meeting at Raadhuis de Paauw. This marks the start of the new term of office following the municipal elections held on March 18, 2026.
Role and Composition of the City Council
The City Council is the municipality’s highest governing body and represents all residents of Wassenaar. The 21 council members make decisions on important issues such as housing, Health, safety, and the design of public spaces. The City Council sets the broad outlines of policy and oversees the Mayor and Aldermen.
Next: Exploration and Formation
The report by exploratory negotiator Jan Iedema will be discussed shortly, after which the coalition-building phase will begin. During this phase, the parties will reach agreements on a joint platform and the composition of the municipal executive. New aldermen are expected to be appointed before the summer break.
Jan Iedema starts as a scout
(Publication date: March 24, 2026)
The VVD in Wassenaar has asked Alderman Iedema of Zoetermeer to serve as an exploratory negotiator for the formation of a new coalition. With this move, the party aims Map carefully Map the possibilities for stable cooperation during the upcoming term of office.
In the coming period, Iedema will engage in discussions with all parties on the Wassenaar City Council. The purpose of these discussions is to conduct an initial assessment of how each party views its own role and to gauge their willingness to participate in a stable municipal government with a positive agenda.
VVD party leader Laurens van Doeveren emphasizes the importance of a careful process: “The goal is to engage in dialogue with all parties. We will discuss their substantive priorities, how they wish to collaborate, and whether they see a role for themselves in a new municipal executive. The Wassenaar VVD has deliberately opted for a broad exploratory process, because forming a stable and sustainable partnership for the next four years is the top priority. Jan Iedema is a skilled facilitator and brings extensive administrative experience from his eight years as an alderman in Zoetermeer. Let’s get to work!”
Once the exploratory study is complete, its findings will be shared with the city council, after which the next steps in forming the executive committee will be determined.
