Ahmed Aboutaleb, mayor of Rotterdam in the Netherlands for more than 10 years, was voted “best mayor in the world” by the British organization City Mayors Foundation.
The mayor of Moroccan origin shares this year the World Mayor Prize of the international think tank, with Philippe Rio, the mayor of Grigny near Paris.
“Aboutaleb treats all citizens as Rotterdamers, regardless of their origin. (…) The two mayors share the conviction that respect for the values of peace, freedom, equal rights and human dignity is essential for social cohesion, “writes the foundation.
“Throughout the Covid pandemic, the two mayors have shown exceptional leadership. Both were aware from the start that the virus posed a threat to the most vulnerable segments of society. (…) Ahmed Aboutaleb, one of Europe’s oldest and most respected mayors, has managed the city of Rotterdam since 2009 with courage, patience and humility, ”said Tann vom Hove, founder of the City Mayors Foundation.
Ahmed Aboutaleb reacted to this appointment with emotion. “I don’t have the words. It is an honor for me to know that the citizens of Rotterdam nominated me for this award. I feel very appreciated by the inhabitants of this beautiful city. A city where so many different people live together. I have the best job imaginable. “
