De Nieuwe Ster, October 9, 2026, from our editorial staff Translation: Ineke/Diana City Hall backs Aesthetics Committee; Pierre Rieu has been warned. If Rieu insists on his Christmas decorations, the municipality will take enforcement action. City Hall is firmly backing the Aesthetics and Monuments Committee regarding the issue of the Christmas lights—complete with a bow—that Pierre Rieu intends to hang at the Derlon. Alderman Hubert Mackus (CDA) is dismissing an initiative proposal put forward by party colleague and faction leader Gabriëlle Heine (CDA) and co-sponsor D66. Heine had drafted the proposal to immediately create more leeway for business owners to decorate their premises for Christmas. Heine’s move was an immediate response to the recent ruling by the Aesthetics Committee, which holds that Rieu must choose between either the lights or the bow on the Derlon’s façade. Using both simultaneously would be "excessive"—an excess that would compromise the "recognizability" of the hotel building's architecture. Heine had previously stated: "Excess is being portrayed as something negative, whereas—provided the right conditions are met—it can be a huge asset to the city. Just look at major cities like London or Paris." Heine invested a great deal of time in developing the proposal, but is now facing a resounding “no”. Alderman Mackus has now issued a negative opinion regarding Heine's proposal. A clear warning is being issued from City Hall: "This means that applications, requests, and initiatives for Christmas and winter festive lighting will be assessed based on existing regulations, policy frameworks, and assessment criteria. Furthermore, standard practices regarding implementation, supervision, and enforcement remain in effect." It is noteworthy that the language used in the official response appears to have been generated by AI; the municipality uses Copilot. See for yourself: "While we understand that the proposal aims to create more scope for entrepreneurs—thereby contributing to the city center's appeal during the winter season—we also note that certain aspects of the proposed criteria have not yet been sufficiently fleshed out to allow for consistent, objective, and enforceable application; consequently, the proposal fails to meet its intended objectives." "As a result, the implications for permitting, supervision, and enforcement, environmental quality, heritage values, feasibility, and equal treatment remain insufficiently clear. Several proposed assessment criteria contain open-ended standards that require further elaboration before they can be applied in a careful and unambiguous manner. This could lead to differences in interpretation, implementation issues, and disputes regarding the application of the rules, potentially undermining uniformity, cohesion, recognizability, and the quality of the streetscape." "Furthermore, the organizational, legal, and financial consequences of the proposed changes have not yet been adequately mapped out." City Hall advises the council to hold off on adopting new policy: "We therefore advise your council not to adopt the proposal at this time, but rather to first allow for an exploratory and participatory process in which the possibilities, consequences, and preferences are carefully identified." Mackus intends to revisit the rules regarding Christmas lighting in 2027. They could then come into effect for the 2027/2028 season.

October 10, 2026, advertisement: At Hotel Derlon, we believe that no one should have to be alone at Christmas. Are you on your own, or do you know someone who will be spending Christmas alone? We would love to welcome you—Pierre Rieu and the Derlon team. On Boxing Day, we are once again setting the table for people who would otherwise be alone. Come join us and enjoy a 3-course dinner, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and, of course, live music. Reservations (for individuals only) can be made at info@derlon.com. Price: €59.95. Welcome aperitif at 6:30 PM; dinner starts at 7:00 PM.

To go back to Pierre Rieu, page 8, click HERE.

Good news for Pierre Rieu: He will be able to keep his Christmas decorations for Hotel Derlon as Maastricht relaxes rules for this year! CDA Party Chair Gabriëlle Heine, together with D66, won the battle over Christmas decorations in the city. All Christmas Decorations Now Permitted. The motion proposed by both parties to give business owners more leeway to decorate their properties for Christmas ultimately secured a comfortable majority. The left-wing parties, in particular, persistently tried to derail the proposal with frequent interruptions. Their efforts failed. The result of adopting the initiative proposal is that the municipal executive will immediately begin accepting all Christmas decorations. Alderman Hubert Mackus of the CDA: “There isn’t enough time to start working with permits. That means we’ll take the policy as currently established by the council as our starting point.” In practice, this means we will tolerate them. No enforcement, no fines. It would be strange if we, as the executive board, were to continue enforcing the old policy, while the council is now voting in favor of a different one.” Mardge Pascaud of D66: “Maastricht could certainly shine a little brighter in the winter. It comes down to how we, as a city, deal with initiative—do we have confidence in entrepreneurs? We want to give entrepreneurs more leeway. Not a free pass, but clear guidelines. This proposal doesn’t leave everything up in the air, either. For example, the preservation of historic facades remains a requirement. Lighting must not be bright or flashing. Lights must be turned off between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. The Building Standards Board retains its oversight role. “D66 doesn't want a victory on paper, but real clarity. Careful consideration is important, but we want to avoid waiting another year.” None of those requirements will be enforced for the upcoming Christmas season, because there simply isn’t enough time to have them all reviewed by the Aesthetics Committee and approved through a permit process. In practice, this means that every business owner can do whatever they want. Alderman Hubert Mackus ultimately confirmed this. Luc Callemeijn spoke on behalf of his coalition party, GroenLinks, and also on behalf of Volt. He was the most vocal opponent of relaxing the rules. “We want to express our appreciation for the city’s collective lighting. It is the result of a special collaboration between business owners, the municipality, and Centrum Management Maastricht. We must cherish that quality. We have spoken with many business owners ourselves. They are concerned. The question is just how widely this desire to relax the rules is supported by business owners.” Callemeijn: “We understand that the business associations will issue a statement later this week. Let’s wait for that. For that reason, we do not recognize the urgency either.” Callemeijn also brought up Volt and M:OED during the meeting. From a historical perspective, the position taken by the VVD represents a complete reversal. During the era of John Aarts of the VVD, the VVD and Centrum Management Maastricht were almost always on the same page. While Centrum Management is now opposed to relaxing the rules, Council Member Jean-Pierre van Wissem was in favor. “The VVD stands for fewer rules and more room for individual initiative. Private lighting cannot be viewed in isolation from public spaces. “Private lighting must be coordinated with public lighting. Unity is strength, but not everything has to be the same. The VVD supports that goal of the initiative. We see an opportunity for improvement.” The SPM also supported the CDA and D66. “Politics is for the people and for our city. What is the experience? The experience for our city and our visitors—that’s an overall picture of emotions. Dare to take the plunge. Make room for a festive Christmas,” said John Steijns. The PvdA opposes giving entrepreneurs more leeway: “The approach from 2012 is still relevant enough. How do we assess concepts such as a professional lighting plan, a cohesive theme, or a visual focal point?” The PvdA believes that no decision can be made at this time. The party opted to follow the municipal executive’s line: make no changes. Jo Smeets: “I don’t want to spend more than a minute on this. And I’ll speak very slowly. Our proposal is simple. Let’s allow the Christmas bow next year. Let’s call that ‘customization.’ You know, that term the city always uses for itself when the rules get in the way. So for now, let’s go with the initiative proposal, and then next year we can let the alderman figure out what the new rules should be for 2027/2028. Merry Christmas to everyone, in advance." 50PLUS: “What kind of council do we want to be? We’re going from one incident to the next. Where is this council’s consistent approach? Intratuin (gardencenter)? Are we going to turn a blind eye? We had the same discussion last year about the Christmas bow as we’re having now. These aren’t sudden situations. Why didn’t anyone put this on the agenda sooner? Explain that to me. Now we’re turning a blind eye again. Maastricht is becoming a city that turns a blind eye. “Congratulations, city government,” I’d say.”

Sharing a related October 14, 2026 Pierre Rieu article, from L1 Nieuws. Photo: Geoff Vane. Translation: Diana D. Le Green light for "excessive" Christmas lights Derlon Hotel Pierre Rieu will still be given the green light to fill the Christmas lights on the Maastricht Hotel Derlon this winter period. Earlier, the municipality found the mood lighting still "excessive". The city council on Tuesday evening agreed to broaden the rules surrounding Christmas decorations in the city, “Zuid-Limburg Vandaag” reports. No free pass The issue arose during Christmas last year when the hotel on the Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein was decorated with a large red bow and Christmas lights. "Excess," the municipality found. Gabriëlle Heine of the CDA, together with Mardge Pascaud (D66), submitted an initiative proposal to broaden the rules. The initiative proposal, Pascaud explained in the beginning of the debate, is not a free pass for entrepreneurs. For example, there should be no flickering Christmas lights on facades in the city. [The proposal was adopted by 23 votes to 14.] Tolerated The city council said earlier next year to investigate the plans further and found that the plans of D66 and the CDA were insufficiently elaborated. Responsible alderman Hubert Mackus said in the council meeting: "We simply cannot make it before 2026 to implement this." That would mean the college would have to tolerate the Christmas decorations this year. [That would mean the city could not enforce the rules. Therefore, there will be no penalties or fines].

Sharing an October 14, 2026 article, an update on the Christmas decorations policy in Maastricht, Netherlands, from De Nieuwe Ster, by Maurice Ubags. Translation Diana.

Pierre Rieu and Gabriëlle Heine, Party group Chairperson of the CDA, being interviewed by Jeffrey de Vries of Wat is Loos in Mestreech, about the decision of the Christmas lighting, on October 14, 2026 Diana D. Le has transcribed the video below the description. We put the video below. Pierre Rieu Relieved: Christmas Bow at Hotel Derlon May Still Come Good news for Pierre Rieu of Hotel Derlon. The municipality of Maastricht decided yesterday that the Christmas bow can still be placed at the hotel. Pierre Rieu is relieved that the green light has still been given. Thanks in part to the efforts of the CDA, Gabriëlle Heine and D66, a solution has finally come up. The decision may also offer new opportunities for other entrepreneurs in the city center of Maastricht who want to decorate their premises with Christmas lights during the holidays. This makes it seem that not only for Hotel Derlon, but also for other entrepreneurs a door to open the city center during the Christmas period, to illuminate extra attractively. For Pierre Rieu, it is in any case a great relief that the issue has been positively concluded. Video transcription: Jeffrey de Vries: "Yes, good news for you. The Christmas display can finally be put up." Pierre Rieu: "Yes, I think it shows that I’m happy about it. I’m really, really happy. But I’m also very relieved." JdV: "Yes, what was all the fuss about?" PR: "Well, I’m relieved that it’s allowed. And I’ll be very honest in saying that the whole Rieu Christmas lights issue had attracted so much attention. It was becoming really uncomfortable and even inappropriate. So, I’m very glad we managed to pull this off together. "I’m happy for the city of Maastricht, for the business owners, and also for the city’s future visitors, so they can enjoy the beautiful lighting. And I’m also grateful to the CDA for the help I received." JdV: "As you say, it opens the door for other business owners too." PR: "Yes, I think so. And I’m aware that if we so much as pass gas, it sometimes gets attention. And that’s why I said it was gradually becoming uncomfortable. But yeah, I’m happy for the other business owners that we’re doing this together—because there’s been so much support. I haven’t felt alone in this for a single second. And that’s really wonderful to experience." JdV: "It’s October now, isn't it? Just a burning question: when are you going to start?" PR: "Well, that’s a coincidence. The van with the lights is just pulling up. When are we going to start? I believe last year we put them up just after Sinterklaas (Dec.5th), and I think that’s a very fitting time. "I want to say one more thing. It’s very important that we have an Aesthetic Oversight Committee. I genuinely mean that. We live very close to the Belgian border, and you notice immediately when you drive into Belgium—it’s a hodgepodge. It’s a completely different style. But I’m a true city lover. I love the city. "We need to safeguard a policy regarding Christmas decorations. I’ve always said that I’m in favor of an Aesthetic Oversight Committee. I think that’s important, too. We need to prevent a situation where every chip shop ends up hanging a flashing neon reindeer outside. And that’s what they probably meant by 'twinkling is prohibited'. "This one [Hotel Derlon] did have a twinkle in it. I thought it was beautiful, and it could really hold its own against the finest Christmas decorations we know. That’s not what they meant by 'twinkling is prohibited'. So, I’m very happy with the relaxation of this policy." JdV: "So the twinkle in your eyes now is one of joy." PR: "Chief, you really are a poet. Thank you." JdV: "Yes, good news regarding Christmas lights for business owners." Gabriëlle Heine: "Yes, that’s right. Yesterday, a private member's motion from the CDA and D66 was passed. I co-authored it with Mardge Pascaud from D66. And essentially, what that motion calls for is a clear framework—or rather, a new framework—for private Christmas lighting, meaning lights on the façades of private properties. It gives business owners more leeway to arrange things according to their own taste. "And so, it must be emphasized that a permit is still required, and that fairly strict criteria apply regarding spatial quality and the preservation of the building's historic character. For instance, there shouldn't be any flickering in the lighting, and you aren't allowed to completely cover the entire building. So, we really do take residents into account and want to prevent light nuisance. But in any case, business owners do have the freedom to style their premises as they wish. I actually consider this a fundamental issue; it’s really about entrepreneurial freedom—the right to decide on the aesthetic of your own property—without the municipality being overly paternalistic or imposing strict regulations." JdV: "Yes, it was certainly a major point of debate. We have to be honest: everyone thought it looked good. The district just looked really nice." GH: "Yes, but that’s not really the point, because there are also people who say: 'Well, I think it’s not about whether you like the look of it or not. As the government, we shouldn't be acting as the "taste police".' "What matters is that we set clear requirements regarding—once again—spatial quality and the preservation of the historic character, because ultimately, that public Christmas lighting is visible from the public realm. So, it contributes to the public space. That means it is perfectly reasonable to set guidelines for it. But, of course, it can't be the case that we start deciding for someone else what looks good and what doesn't. "So, I think we’ve formulated that very neatly and well now. And it’s also good that, during this Christmas season, we won't be deploying our valuable enforcement resources to police a red bow. That strikes me as a very good thing."

Video in Dutch language, duration 5 minutes.

Sharing an excerpt from the 4th edition of 2026 Navenant Magazine, the Limburg lifestyle magazine. Jon van Eerd in conversation with Pierre Rieu Navenant Magazine October 22, 2026 photo: ARP, Jon van Eerd Translation by Diana D. Le Jon van Eerd, writer, actor, life artist, and above all a Maastricht citizen at heart, talks to Pierre Rieu in this edition of Navenant. Two Maastrichtians, each with their own story, yet with a surprising number of similarities. They speak candidly about youth, family, friendship, entrepreneurship, and career, about what shaped them and how they found their own way. A personal conversation, in which vulnerability and emotion go hand in hand with humor and a good dose of Limburg stubbornness. JON: "Ha, Pierre. Wait a minute I'll take you upstairs." PIERRE: "We just met for two minutes and I'm already going upstairs with you." JON: "HA HA HA. To my office. Then we can talk undisturbed. You're on vacation. I'm so glad you wanted to talk to me. I am also a Maastricht citizen at heart. I was even in the same class as your aunt at St. Jozef School." PIERRE: "Next to the mill where my grandparents lived." JON: "Yes, that was a household name in Maastricht. I read that you dropped out of college to go to work for your father. What did you study?" PIERRE: "Law. Here in Maastricht. But I soon found out it wasn't my thing. I'm not someone who can get his knowledge out of books. I have to hang out with people. Learn from them. I look at role models and let myself be inspired." JON: "That goes for everything and everyone." PIERRE: "I don’t copy others, but I do observe them and then think about how I’d like to do it myself. I adapt it to something that suits me. Everyone has to do that for themselves." JON: "Can you let go of that, too? As a parent?" PIERRE: "We raise our children so they can find their own way. So that later, when they’re grown up, they can chart their own course." JON: "Was that possible in your upbringing with your father, too? Or was he rather domineering?" PIERRE: "'Domineering' isn't quite the right word. A friend of mine once described him as “affectionately authoritarian.” You see, he's the one who arranges the seating and the itinerary on vacation. But he does it in a way that he believes is best for the group. And he's almost always right about that."

Jon van Eerd (profile photo Facebook)

(both dog lovers!)