Welcome to this week’s edition of Wassenaar Weekly. Your source for local stories, events, and community news in English, brought to you by Wassenaarders.nl.
Election Results: VVD Emerges as Clear Winner
The municipal elections of 18 March 2026 have led to significant shifts in Wassenaar’s political landscape.
The VVD emerged as the clear winner, gaining three seats and becoming the largest party with eight seats in the council. Voter turnout reached 63.2%, notably higher than four years ago.
Several parties lost ground, including Hart voor Wassenaar, Lokaal Wassenaar and GL-PvdA.
Newcomer Forum for Democracy (FvD) entered the council with one seat, while Volt did not secure representation.
The official results will be confirmed on 26 March.
Call for More Care Housing for Young People with disabilities
Plans for seven care studios at Hoge Klei remain under discussion, highlighting the urgent need for suitable housing for young people with disabilities.
The initiative, known as Ons Huis Wassenaar, was started by parents seeking a small-scale living facility with 24-hour care for their children.
Personal stories underline the importance of such housing, as many families currently provide intensive care at home while waiting for appropriate facilities.
The issue remains highly relevant in the context of local policy and future housing decisions.
Safety Tour to Address Feelings of Insecurity
The municipality is organising a public safety tour (veiligheidsschouw) on 24 March, inviting residents to share experiences of safety in public spaces.
Participants will cycle together with police officers and municipal staff to locations where people feel unsafe. The initiative specifically encourages participation from young women, LGBTQ+ residents and others who may feel vulnerable.
The goal is to better understand perceptions of safety and use this input to improve public space planning.
Debate on Election Coverage Sparks Discussion
A discussion has emerged about local media coverage during the election campaign, following an article in a national newspaper.
The debate centres on whether all political parties received equal attention in de Wassenaarse Krant. The publication involved has denied any bias and released correspondence to support its position.
The issue has led to mixed reactions among residents and highlights the importance of independent and balanced local journalism, especially during election periods.
Charity Donation Theft Still Under Investigation
The investigation into the theft from a Lions Club donation box at a supermarket in Wassenaar is still ongoing.
The collection point — used to gather foreign and old currency for the international “Fight for Sight” programme — was emptied without visible damage. The incident has caused disappointment, as the donations are intended to fund cataract operations in developing countries.
Despite the setback, organisers encourage residents to continue donating.
Museum Voorlinden Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
Museum Voorlinden celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026 with an ambitious programme of exhibitions and new artworks.
Highlights include a major solo exhibition by choreographer William Forsythe, a large anniversary exhibition featuring iconic works from the collection, and the unveiling of a new outdoor sculpture. A specialised art bookshop will also open later this year.
Since its opening, Voorlinden has become a leading destination for modern and contemporary art in the Netherlands.
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