Rotterdam mayor named Elsevier's Dutchman of the Year 2014
The editors of Elsevier have named Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb of Rotterdam the Dutchman of the Year for 2014. Chief editor of Elsevier Arendo Joustra made this announcement yesterday at the city hall of Rotterdam.
The title Dutchman of the Year goes to the person who has made a mark on the past year. The editors of Elsevier chose Mayor Aboutaleb because he is the face of the city that was often in the news for exceptionally positive reasons, even internationally. Rotterdam attracted worldwide attention this year with new architectural marvels like the Central Station and the Markthal (market hall), and this has made for a positive change in the city's reputation. Aboutaleb has also made this year count "as a mayor like a mayor is supposed to be", said Elsevier. "Devoted, attention to detail, sometimes hard, always clear." Aboutaleb has shown that he is not afraid to voice his strong opinions in many relevant social issues - from local cannabis cultivation to the jihad. Aboutaleb is the 11th Dutchman who has been named the Dutchman of the Year. Last year it was director Wim Pijbes of the Rijksmuseum.
