The Gelderland States have elected Daniël Wigboldus as their new King’s Commissioner. Until recently, Wigboldus was President of the Executive Board of Radboud University.

Yesterday, a majority of the States approved the nomination of Daniël Wigboldus as the King’s Commissioner in Gelderland. Minister Judith Uitermark (Interior and Kingdom Relations) will now nominate Wigboldus to the Crown.

“In Daniël Wigboldus we see the firm, accessible and connecting commissioner we are looking for”, said Rik Loeters, chair of the confidentiality committee on the website of the province.

The King’s Commissioner is chair and member of the Provincial Executive which is charged with the executive management of the province. Its duties include appointing mayors, mediating on administrative problems in municipalities and providing a link between government and province. The appointment is for a period of 6 years.

On paper, Wigboldus succeeds John Berends. Since the autumn 2023, however, the position has been held by Henri Lenferink, after Berends became discredited when De Gelderlander published information about inappropriate behaviour under his leadership. Following an external report, Berends announced that he would not return to his post.

“Broaden and deepen”

Wigboldus was President of the Executive Board of Radboud University until 1 January. He resigned several months before the end of his term and was succeeded by Alexandra van Huffelen after a one-month transition period.

In a farewell interview with Vox, Wigboldus, who is also professor of Social Psychology, said he did not yet know what he would do after his term as President. ‘I love every part of academic higher education and research, as well as the diversity of tasks in a job like President of the Executive Board. (…) I’d like to continue to broaden and deepen.’