The past four years have been eventful in Venray’s politics. CDA alderman Jan Loonen left and party colleague Anne Thielen resigned voluntarily. In the run-up to the municipal elections, the parties, and in particular the CDA, are trying to regain voter confidence.
The departure of the alderman was related to a vote of no confidence that he received at the end of June last year because of an alleged conflict of interest in buying land in the Loobeek valley.
Out of solidarity
However, an external investigation showed that there was no conflict of interest, but the parties nevertheless felt that Loonen should leave the field because of the appearance. He only received support from his own party. Out of solidarity, CDA alderman Anne Thielen also resigned.
Also read: Alderman Loonen resigns: ‘This is a political settlement’
Not at home
She can now imagine that her leadership for the coming elections raises questions. “Last time when I left I said that I no longer belong in this setting and environment in which we no longer treat each other properly and no longer talk to each other.”
get a bite
Because of the turbulent council term, a resident of the municipality thinks that the CDA will get a blow. “I expect that they will no longer be the largest party.” One woman feels that they “just removed a lot of trees and broke down a lot.” “They will build something up, but I don’t see it that way yet.”
Dare to take responsibility
According to Harold Stevens, party leader Venray Lokaal, parties have shown that they have dared to take responsibility. “In no time, another alderman was recruited and it was running again without anyone having been bothered at all.”
Incidentally, seven of the nine councilors can no longer be found on the CDA’s electoral list. A total of eight parties are participating in the elections, of which GroenLinks is the newcomer.