The Dutch House of Representatives will shortly begin the process of selecting and appointing a new National Ombudsman. The term of office of the current ombudsman, Reinier van Zutphen, ends on 1 April 2027. Until then, he remains fully committed to supporting citizens who get stuck in their dealings with the government.

Reinier van Zutphen: “I could easily have continued in this fantastic role with just as much energy for several more years. Citizens and veterans tell me daily about their need for a government that listens to them and is on their side. Still, the end of my second term of office makes sense as a time to start looking for a successor. I look back with great pride on what we have managed to achieve for citizens over the years.”

“I remain fully committed to doing all I can for citizens in need of a proactive government throughout the remainder of my tenure. A government that doesn’t wait until people are stuck, but reaches out and supports them before they get to that point.”

“During my time in this role, I have listened to the voices of thousands of citizens in their homes, community centres and local parks. That is where an ombudsman’s work begins. It’s not about me, it’s about the people we’re doing this for.”

Reinier van Zutphen has served as National Ombudsman since 1 April 2015. His second term of office began in 2021 and will end on 1 April 2027.