List of mayors of Rotterdam facts for kids
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.
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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 |