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List of mayors of Rotterdam facts for kids

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A mayor is like the head of a city's government. They are chosen to lead the city and make important decisions that affect everyone living there. Think of them as the captain of a city, guiding its growth and making sure things run smoothly. Mayors work with a city council to manage public services, like schools, parks, and transportation. They also help plan for the future of the city, making it a better place to live.

Rotterdam, a large and important city in the Netherlands, has had many mayors over the years. Each mayor has played a part in shaping the city we see today. They have helped Rotterdam grow from a busy port city to a modern and vibrant place.

What Does a Mayor Do?

A mayor has many important jobs. Their main role is to lead the city's daily operations. They work with different departments to ensure services like waste collection, public safety, and road maintenance are working well. Mayors also represent their city at events and meetings, both locally and internationally. They are the public face of the city.

Leading the City Council

The mayor often chairs meetings of the city council. This council is a group of elected officials who help make laws and decisions for the city. The mayor helps guide discussions and ensures that the council works together to serve the people of Rotterdam.

Planning for the Future

Mayors are also involved in long-term planning. This includes thinking about how the city will grow, where new buildings might go, and how to improve public transport. They work on projects that can take many years to complete, all aimed at making Rotterdam a better place for its residents.

A Look at Rotterdam's Mayors

Rotterdam has a rich history, and its mayors have been central to its development. From the early 1800s to today, each mayor has contributed to the city's story. The list below shows the people who have held this important position. It also shows how long they served and which political party they belonged to.

Term Mayor Party
1813–1824 Johan François graaf van Hogendorp van Heeswijk
1824–1845 Marinus Cornelis Bichon van IJsselmonde
1845–1866 Johan Frederik Hoffman
1866–1881 Joost van Vollenhoven
1881–1891 Sjoerd Anne Vening Meinesz
1891–1893 Pieter Lycklama à Nijeholt
1893–1906 Frederik Bernard s'Jacob
1906–1923 Alfred Rudolf Zimmerman
1923–1928 Johannes Wytema
1928–1938 Pieter Droogleever Fortuyn LSP
1938–1941 Pieter Oud VDB
1941–1945 Frederik Ernst Müller NSB
1945–1952 Pieter Oud PvdA, later VVD
1952–1965 Gerard van Walsum PvdA
1965–1974 Wim Thomassen PvdA
1974–1981 André van der Louw PvdA
1982–1998 Bram Peper PvdA
1999–2009 Ivo Opstelten VVD
2009–present Ahmed Aboutaleb PvdA
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List of mayors of Rotterdam Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.