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ROTTERDAM, 23 August 2024 – Rotterdam prepares to bid farewell to its long-serving mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, with a series of public events celebrating his 15 years in office. The festivities offer citizens a chance to express their gratitude and mark the end of an era.
Farewell to mayor Aboutaleb this autumn
Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb, who announced in January that he would be stepping down, is now entering the final weeks of his tenure. Having served Rotterdam for over 15 years, his last day in office will be on 1 October. To mark the occasion, a series of events has been organised, providing residents of Rotterdam an opportunity to bid him farewell. These events are also intended as a gesture of thanks to the city’s people for their engagement, trust, and dedication.
Festival at Het Park
On Sunday, 25 August, a special Rotterdam Day will be held, featuring a festival in Het Park, near the Euromast. The festival will include eight stages showcasing a variety of music, dance, poetry, children’s activities, acrobatics, and more. The programme schedule and details can be found on the official Rotterdam website. This event is open to everyone.
Symposium at the city hall
A symposium will take place on 11 September at the city hall, bringing together current and former mayors, government officials, members of parliament, and scholars. The gathering will focus on the future of mayoral responsibilities and the developments within the office. While the symposium is inspired by Aboutaleb’s departure, it is not considered an official farewell ceremony.
Acknowledging 15 years of service
Mayor Aboutaleb has built a substantial network of business and governmental connections over the past 15 years. He has led trade missions with business representatives and tackled local, regional, and national issues alongside fellow administrators. In collaboration with stakeholders in the city, he has addressed significant urban and social challenges. His leadership during complex times, such as terrorist threats, the COVID-19 pandemic, and refugee accommodation, has been widely appreciated both in the Netherlands and abroad. On 19 September, he will thank his professional associates with a dedicated event at De Doelen.
Special council meeting
Municipal employees will have the opportunity to say farewell to Mayor Aboutaleb on 23 September. Additionally, a special council meeting will be held on 26 September, where city councillors will formally bid farewell to their chairman.
How to reach the event locations
Het Park, near the Euromast: This centrally located park is accessible by tram and metro. It is a short walk from the Dijkzigt metro station and is also reachable by car, with parking available nearby.
City Hall (Stadhuis): Located at Coolsingel 40, the city hall is easily accessible by tram and metro, with Stadhuis station just a short walk away.
De Doelen: Situated at Schouwburgplein 50, De Doelen is conveniently located in the city centre, close to Rotterdam Central Station, and is well served by public transport.
