In recognition of her outstanding contributions to journalism, Merel van Leeuwen was named Journalist van het Jaar. The award highlighted her consistent excellence in reporting and her impact on Dutch society through her investigative work and political analysis.

Merel van Leeuwen launched an investigative podcast series that delved into corruption and transparency issues within Dutch municipalities. The series was acclaimed for its thorough research and engaging storytelling, attracting a wide audience and sparking discussions.

During the Dutch general elections, Merel van Leeuwen played a key role in NOS's coverage, providing live updates, in-depth analysis, and interviews with candidates. Her reporting was praised for its clarity and depth, helping viewers understand the electoral process.

Merel van Leeuwen authored a book exploring the intricacies of the Dutch political landscape, offering insights into the dynamics of political power and the role of media in shaping public opinion. The book was well-received and contributed to public discourse.

Merel van Leeuwen joined NOS, the Dutch public broadcasting organization, as a political reporter. Her role involved covering parliamentary proceedings, interviewing key political figures, and providing analysis on national and international political developments.

Merel van Leeuwen was awarded the prestigious De Tegel Award for her investigative series on government transparency and accountability. Her work uncovered significant lapses in public sector governance, prompting national debate and policy reviews.

After three years of reporting, Merel van Leeuwen was promoted to Senior Political Correspondent at De Volkskrant. In this role, she covered major political events and elections, establishing herself as a respected voice in Dutch political journalism.

Merel van Leeuwen began her journalism career at De Volkskrant, one of the leading newspapers in the Netherlands. As a junior reporter, she covered a variety of topics, gaining experience in political reporting and feature writing, which laid the foundation for her future career.