Froukje de Jonge, a seasoned local politician, has been nominated to become the new mayor of Oss as of March 19, 2025. The nomination took place during a closed council meeting where the Oss city council recommended De Jonge for the role, signaling a new chapter for the municipality.
De Jonge, who has served as a council member (wethouder) in Almere for several years, brings extensive experience to her new position. Her portfolios in Almere included Care, Youth, Education, Housing, and Welfare. She had gained a reputation as a diligent public servant, particularly noted for her involvement in addressing the lingering issues from the Toeslagen-affaire, a scandal that exposed significant flaws in the Dutch welfare system.
Reflecting on her experiences, De Jonge remarked, “I was an incredibly proud public servant. Through the toeslagen affair, I truly lost faith. I realized that government rules represented institutionalized distrust, while I had believed they represented entrenched justice. That realization was shocking.”
Her journey in local governance began in 2014 when she debuted as a wethouder in Almere. She briefly served as the acting mayor of Stadskanaal from 2018 to 2020, showcasing her capability to lead diverse city portfolios effectively.
The city council in Oss has been searching for a mayor who embodies reliability and familiarity while possessing the necessary governmental experience. De Jonge's departure from Almere is remarkable, especially under the backdrop of her management of difficult sectors, as noted in a 2024 social report on Almere that painted a worrisome picture concerning health and education. The incoming mayor will face the task of performing under pressure, given the challenges observed during her tenure in Almere.
"The journey to find an appropriate successor was intensive," said Jan Zoll, the chairman of the confidence committee in Oss, discussing the application process, which drew twelve candidates, a majority being women. The current mayor, Wobine Buijs-Glaudemans, expressed her satisfaction with the choice, stating, “It’s beautiful that a woman has been selected once again. And one with considerable talent.”
As De Jonge prepares for this significant new position, it awaits approval from the Council of Ministers and the King of the Netherlands. While the endorsement is usually a formality, the comprehensive process underscores the importance of her upcoming role. Once approved, word is that she may officially take up the office before the summer recess in May 2025.
Wobine Buijs-Glaudemans has led the municipality since 2011 but announced last June that she would not complete her third term. Her decision granted the council ample time to find a suitable candidate to take her place. De Jonge fulfills the outlined characteristics perfectly, being a connector who lives in the city and is adept at networking with her extensive experience in governmental administration. In addition to her political roles, she has legal training, having studied law at the University of Nijmegen before engaging in various administrative positions within the Flevoziekenhuis Almere.
So, as Oss anticipates its new leadership, Froukje de Jonge stands at the threshold of what promises to be a challenging yet rewarding opportunity. Her ability to navigate the complexities of local governance and to bring transformational change to Oss will likely be scrutinized as she embarks on her tenure as mayor.
With qualified candidates applying for this critical leadership role, the community is hopeful for a resilient leader poised to inspire a cohesive and progressive environment in Oss.
