Zoetermeer Alderman resigns amid alleged threatening calls to council members
Alderman Ronald Weerwag of Zoetermeer resigned Monday, just days before the municipal elections on March 18, following allegations that he used “intimidating, belittling, and threatening” language toward multiple city council members, Omroep West reported. Weerwag, the lead candidate for Lijst Hilbrand Nawijn (LHN), also faced criticism for attempting to shift administrative responsibility onto municipal staff.
The controversy emerged after Weerwag reportedly called VVD council leader Lisette Sandifort-Meijer, a coalition partner, with language described by D66 council leader Esmaël Zamani as “unacceptable.” The call came amid council concerns about the city’s decision to designate several homes as monuments, a move that reportedly generated confusion among hundreds of residents.
“I spoke sharply; I should have done it differently,” Weerwag said in a statement before the council meeting. “I am submitting my resignation immediately—not to walk away, but to take responsibility.” He announced his resignation at the final council meeting prior to the elections.
The monument designation triggered public unrest and council debate. When parties called for discussion on the matter, Weerwag’s phone conversation with Sandifort-Meijer became the focus. Later, Weerwag posted on LinkedIn that municipal staff had not followed his advice, a move criticized as “shifting responsibility” and putting employees “under the bus.”
“I offered my apologies, also within the coalition. That was insufficient, and an integrity complaint was filed against me,” Weerwag said. The integrity investigation remains ongoing during the campaign period.
Weerwag said he felt “publicly accused” during the controversy. “During the call, more council members were listening than I realized. I thought it was a direct conversation,” he said. He defended his comments about staff: “I have great appreciation for civil servants, but where cutting is done, splinters fall. I think that can be said.”
Council members criticized Weerwag for not facing questions directly. VVD councilor Jeffrey van Gils called the resignation statement “more like a campaign pitch than taking responsibility” and said, “I wanted to ask him questions and give him the chance to be accountable, but he walked away. That confirms he could not remain.” Van Gils also said the former alderman “needed a coffee break to come up with a fake apology.”
Other parties, including ChristenUnie-SGP, CDA, PvdA, and GroenLinks, expressed frustration over Weerwag’s actions. PvdA leader Margot Kraneveld said, “Unfortunately, the alderman did not have the courage to take responsibility. We heard a nearly Trumpian campaign pitch. We are left with the sense that he is running away from his obligations.”
Weerwag acknowledged the situation harmed public trust and said, “There are only losers. People see just a few politicians rolling over each other with public money. I want to debate the city’s issues.”
Despite resigning as alderman, Weerwag remains LHN’s lead candidate. “I also have full support from the party faction,” he said. “This also clarifies for voters who takes responsibility. Our party is taking responsibility.”
