# Local political changes in Belgium and the Netherlands

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/local-political-changes-in-belgium-and-the-netherlands
> Updated: 2026-09-21T15:28:15.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Local political leadership and council compositions are undergoing changes in several Belgian and Dutch municipalities.

In Zwartewaterland, Ine Margriet Westhoff has been appointed as the new municipal clerk, succeeding interim clerk Femke Koekoek. In Merelbeke-Melle, Tijl De Witte has joined the municipal council for the Groen party, replacing Gerda De Backer.

Subsequent shifts in Belgium include the resignation of Daisy Poriau from her role as alderman and chair of the special committee for social services in Merelbeke-Melle; David Verhaeghe is set to assume her duties. Additionally, in Bruges, Marie Laeremans has resigned from the municipal council to avoid further controversy regarding her legal domicile, with Tim Verbiest succeeding her in the Vlaams Belang party fraction.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Local political resignations reported in Merelbeke-Melle and Bruges

Local politicians in Merelbeke-Melle and Bruges have resigned from their municipal roles, citing professional changes and ongoing domicile disputes, respectively.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/local-political-resignations-reported-in-merelbeke-melle-and-bruges

### 2026-09-16: Local political appointments in Zwartewaterland and Merelbeke-Melle

Local political shifts include the appointment of Ine Margriet Westhoff as clerk in Zwartewaterland and Tijl De Witte joining the Merelbeke-Melle council for the Groen party.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/local-political-appointments-in-zwartewaterland-and-merelbeke-melle

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Cite as: Local political changes in Belgium and the Netherlands. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/local-political-changes-in-belgium-and-the-netherlands