Ahmed Aboutaleb is a Dutch politician of Moroccan descent who has served as the mayor of Rotterdam since 2009. He is a member of the Labour Party (PvdA). Here’s a summary of his notable roles and achievements:
- Mayor of Rotterdam: Aboutaleb became the first mayor of a major Dutch city with both immigrant origins and the Muslim faith when he was elected in 2009. He has been re-elected twice and is currently serving his third term. During his tenure, he has focused on issues such as social cohesion, security, and economic development.
- State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment: Prior to becoming mayor, Aboutaleb served as State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment in the fourth Balkenende cabinet from 2007 to 2008. In this role, he was responsible for developing and implementing policies on unemployment, poverty, and social security.
- Alderman in Amsterdam: From 2004 to 2007, Aboutaleb served as an alderman in Amsterdam, responsible for social affairs, culture, and education. He played a key role in the city’s efforts to address social and economic inequalities.
- Journalist and Translator: Before entering politics, Aboutaleb worked as a journalist and translator. He is fluent in Dutch, English, Arabic, and Berber.
Aboutaleb is a controversial figure, praised by some for his progressive views and commitment to social justice, and criticized by others for his tough stance on crime and security. He is a prominent voice in the Dutch political landscape and has been mentioned as a potential candidate for Prime Minister in the future.
Here are some additional details about Aboutaleb that you may find interesting:
- He was born in Beni Sidel, Morocco, in 1961 and immigrated to the Netherlands with his family when he was five years old.
- He is a practicing Muslim and has spoken openly about his faith and its influence on his political views.
- He is married to Khaddouj Aboutaleb and has one daughter.
- He is a fan of poetry and has translated works by the renowned Arabic poet Adunis.
I hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions about Ahmed Aboutaleb.