ROTTERDAM - Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb plans to step down later this year. He made the announcement during his annual New Year’s reception at City Hall. 

The Labour politician, now 62 years old, first took office in January 2009. He was then reconfirmed for successive six-year terms in 2015 and 2021. Aboutaleb intends to resign later this year, instead of completing the current term. 

He said he will not step down right away, instead giving City Council enough time to find qualified candidates. He added that he already discussed the matter with the King’s Commissioner who is formally responsible for hiring the city’s mayor. 

Aboutaleb said he is confident that the collection of aldermen and the full City Council are in a good position when it comes to governing the city. "This chosen moment also offers sufficient space to appoint a new mayor before the next municipal elections," he said in a statement. The next elections are scheduled to be held in 2026. 

He has not yet determined what his final date in office will be. "Until the moment when the termination of my appointment is final, I will continue to fulfil my duties as mayor with undiminished dedication," he said. 

Aboutaleb wished his colleagues and the residents of the city "a healthy 2024," saying he hoped the year would be one of conscientiousness and charity towards others. "The only way to be connected to each other, and to remain that way, is to appreciate each other. Always speak about the good in your fellow man," he said. 

"The world is entrusted to people who want to serve humanity with positive commitment, trust and good intentions." 

Aboutaleb was born in Beni Sidel, Morocco, in 1961, and emigrated with his family to the Netherlands in 1976. He worked as a broadcast journalist for a number of years, and eventually jumped into politics as he entered his forties. 

In 2004, Amsterdam's social affairs and education alderman, Rob Oudkerk, stepped down amid a scandal for his visits to sex workers and alleged use of cocaine. Aboutaleb was tasked with replacing him a short time later. He then served as State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment in the fourth Cabinet of Jan Peter Balkenende from February 2007 through December 2008. He stepped down from the Cabinet to become Rotterdam's mayor.