More than 30 people applied for the position. The job profile showed that Middelburg was looking for a connector who is a figurehead within and outside Middelburg. “The best mayor is communicative, decisive, reliable, accessible and stands up for our municipality,” the profile states. And is also “someone who brings in Santa and receives the Royal family with the same flair and relaxation.”
The council sees Van Mastrigt as a mayor who is close to the residents and can fulfill that role of connector well. Van Mastrigt already has managerial experience. She was mayor of the municipalities of Winsum (2004 – 2008) and Hoogezand-Sappemeer (2008 – 2012). Afterwards she was a deputy in Groningen. In recent years she has served as mayor at various municipalities, until recently in Olst-Wijhe.
Now that the candidate has been nominated, the Minister of the Interior carries out an extensive screening. Then comes the proposal for the appointment to the Council of Ministers. This only happens when mayors are appointed for cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants (Middelburg had 50,002 on January 1, 2024) and provincial capitals. In principle, the mayor’s appointment is for at least 6 years.
The King’s Commissioner swears in the new mayor on behalf of His Majesty the King. This is expected to happen at the end of August.
Tags: Middelburg Yvonne van Mastrigt mayor
