Ronny Declerck received the title after a long political career that began in 1995 as a member of the OCMW council. From 2001, he also served as a municipal councillor and was finance alderman for three years. The municipal council approved the granting of the honorary title on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
His political career began unexpectedly when he was asked to run as a candidate while working as a postman. Declerck's driving force was always direct contact with the residents of Nieuwpoort. He consciously remained 'close to the people' and insisted that politicians should remain approachable.
Throughout his career, he contributed to projects such as the opening of the cultural center Centrum Ysara, the renovation of the athletics track, the construction of the municipal swimming pool, and the realization of the promenade along the Havengeul, which brings Nieuwpoort-Stad and Nieuwpoort-Bad closer together.
Even after his political retirement, Declerck remains involved with Nieuwpoort, including as a volunteer for Nieuwpoort Verbeeldt and az West in Veurne. He emphasizes the support of his family, particularly his wife Ann, daughter Fanny, and grandchildren Marthe and Oscar.
“"If we had to summarize your years of dedication to Nieuwpoort in one image, we would see someone who wanted to be close to the people. Someone who listened, prepared thoroughly, and wanted to defend the interests of the residents. Above all, you wanted to remain simply Ronny: approachable, with both feet on the ground, and with a listening ear for the people."
