Former minister and deputy prime minister Carola Schouten has been nominated to become the next mayor of Rotterdam.

A member of the ChristenUnie party, Schouten will be the first female mayor in the city's history, succeeding Ahmed Aboutaleb, who is stepping down after 15 years in the role.

Having lived in Rotterdam for the past 30 years, Schouten is seen as a candidate who aligns well with the city's needs, according to city councillor Ruud van der Velden. "We were looking for someone who is open, accessible, stands with the people, and is recognized as one of their own. Schouten excels at bringing people together, even during times of great tension in our city," van der Velden told broadcaster NOS.

Schouten was chosen from a pool of 26 candidates, including former minister Hugo de Jonge (CDA), who served as health and education alderman in Rotterdam from 2010 to 2017.

De Jonge congratulated Schouten on social media platform X, stating, "Fair is fair, I would have liked the job. But the city is in good hands with Carola."

Schouten is expected to be sworn in as mayor on October 10. Photo by Ruben Timman, Wikimedia commons.