30 June 2023. After eight years as a mayor, the city of Maastricht will say goodbye to Annemarie Penn – te Strake with a party full of culture on June 30, 2023. Surprises will take place on three stages for the former mayor and all other Maastricht residents. A royal decoration (Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau) and a honorary gold medal of the city of Maastricht, were given to the outgoing mayor. In the council chamber in Mosae Forum, Annemarie Penn – te Strake officially said goodbye as mayor of Maastricht during a special council meeting. Together with her husband Olav Penn, children and relatives, she was at the center of the political arena of the Limburg capital, in the midst of all the municipal councilors and in front of the aldermen of Maastricht. André Rieu emphasized his special bond with Annemarie Penn – te Strake once again by also giving an appearance. Annemarie Penn-te Strake will be succeeded on 1 July 2023 by Wim Hillenaar, who will be installed as mayor on July 10th.

She is an André fan and attended his concerts.

2019: André received a plaque due to his 100th concert on the Vrijthof.

July 1st 2023: The new mayor of Maastricht: Wim Hillenaar. Photo credits: Jonathan Vos.

Photo credits: Laurens Bouvrie.