Amsterdam: new coalition presents plans for the next four years

The focus will be on solidarity, sustainability and green development, as well as on social development and security in the city

Yesterday 25 May, the three coalition parties forming the new government of Amsterdam officially unveiled their plans for city management in the 2022-2026 period. PvdA (that won the elections), GroenLinks and D66 met at a local school to present the agreement on their priorities for the next 4 years, as well as on the 9 aldermen.

Sustainable and responsible development for Amsterdam

According to the city website, the leaders of the three governing parties – Marjolein Moorman (PvdA), Rutger Groot Wassink (Green Left), Reinier van Dantzig (D66) – agreed to work predominantly on the following topics:

• A city of solidarity with opportunities for everyone: attention and extra money for poverty reduction, youth work, education, master plans for North, Southeast and New West, but also the other city districts;
• Extra commitment to sustainability and green development; the coalition wants to insulate many more homes in its second term together;
• Responsible growth. Amsterdam councillors pledge to build 7500 new homes, with 40 percent social housing, 40 percent mid-market and 20 percent free sector. The aim is also to increase traffic flow;
• Security and fight against crime.

The local representatives further pointed out the fact that due to rising interest rates and higher costs, local finances are extra limited and essential choices need to be made. Furthermore, the 9 aldermen seats (six women and three men) were distributed equally amongst the three parties.

The agreement is yet to be voted in the city council on 1 June before entering into force. The full deal is available on the website of the Municipality of Amsterdam.

We remind you that the local elections in The Netherlands took place on 16 March. They were meant to elect the members of the municipal council, but not the mayor.

The mayor, who chairs the local council and the College of Mayor and aldermen (the executive body), is not elected by citizens. Instead, he/she needs to meet a job description, apply to the job and be appointed for 6 years by the King of the Netherlands, upon recommendation by the municipal council.