Theo Weterings, the long-serving mayor of Tilburg, is set to step down from his position on August 31, 2025, after nearly eight years at the helm of the city he was born and raised in. The 66-year-old politician announced his decision in a heartfelt letter to the residents of Tilburg, citing the increasing demands of his role as a significant factor in his departure.
Weterings, a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), expressed that the intensity of his work and the long hours had become a limitation in his life. He stated, "I have the desire to have time and space for joint activities with my wife in the coming years that bring us joy and happiness." This decision comes as a surprise, given that his term was originally set to last until 2029, following his reappointment two years ago.
Born and raised in Tilburg, Weterings has a rich political history, having started his career over forty years ago as a councilor in the same city. He held various positions throughout his career, including mayor of Beverwijk and Haarlemmermeer, and councilor in Diemen and Rijswijk. Weterings returned to Tilburg in late 2017 and took on the role of mayor, a position he has held since then with great pride.
Reflecting on his time as mayor, Weterings noted, "Working for Tilburg, the city where I was born and raised, has been a pleasure over the past years. The contacts with many city and village residents were as candid as they were enjoyable." He described Tilburg as a city that constantly reinvents itself, characterized by a spirit of defiance and courage in its decision-making. "Above all, it is the city of the Tilburgers: residents with big hearts who are always ready to help others," he added.
Throughout his tenure, Weterings has been an advocate for various progressive policies, most notably the legalization of cannabis cultivation and sales. He has actively supported the cannabis experiment initiated in Tilburg and nearby Breda in 2023, aiming to undermine the criminal economy surrounding soft drugs. Weterings stated, "Tolerating is such a strange word; we only know it in the Netherlands. Let it be legal, and then it truly belongs in all neighborhoods of Tilburg, just like the café and the liquor store. Of course, we must warn young people about the dangers of addiction."
His leadership has also been marked by efforts to combat organized crime in the region. Under his guidance, significant police operations were launched against drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime in Central Brabant. Weterings emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach and international cooperation in tackling these issues effectively.
However, his time in office has not been without controversy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Weterings faced criticism for allowing a football gathering of Willem II supporters that violated health regulations. He publicly acknowledged his misjudgment and offered an apology to the municipal council, taking responsibility for his decision.
As Weterings prepares to leave office, he is committed to continuing his work for the residents of Tilburg in the remaining months of his tenure. "I look forward to seeing and speaking with many of you in our beautiful city and villages in the coming months," he stated.
Weterings' departure marks the end of an era for Tilburg, a city that has seen significant changes and challenges during his leadership. His commitment to progressive policies and community engagement has left a lasting impact on the city and its residents. As Tilburg looks to the future, the legacy of Theo Weterings will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
