Rotterdam alderman still living in temporary housing after arson attack
Rotterdam alderman Faouzi Achbar, a member of the DENK party, and his family continue to live in a temporary home after their house in Rotterdam-Lombardijen was set on fire in early July. Achbar, 42, spoke publicly for the first time about the incident, telling local broadcaster Rijnmond that the damage was so severe they are still displaced months later.
"It's clear that this has had a significant impact, not only on me but also on my family," Achbar said, confirming that the family has been living in a temporary housing arrangement since the fire.
The arson attack left the family home severely damaged. While Achbar has refrained from commenting extensively on the incident, he noted the emotional toll it has taken. "It brings up a lot of emotions for me. The investigation is still ongoing, and I try not to say too much about it," he explained.
The authorities have yet to determine who is responsible for the attack. In August, a 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with the arson, but he was later released due to insufficient evidence to support serious charges. The police have offered a reward of 10,000 euros for information that could lead to the identification of the perpetrator.
Achbar also reflected on the uncertainty surrounding the motives behind the fire, suggesting the possibility that the attack could have been politically motivated. "There’s a lot going through your mind after something like this," he said. "I have a family I need to protect. I choose politics, but they don't. You don’t know where it could be coming from. So, I’ll wait for the investigation to provide clarity on why someone would do something like this."
Despite the trauma, Achbar emphasized that he remains undeterred in his political career. "But I won’t let this knock me down," he added, indicating his resolve to continue his work despite the personal setback.
The arson attack against Achbar’s home occurred in a politically charged environment. He has been involved in heated debates on local issues, including Rotterdam's approach to housing undocumented migrants and the government's stance on integration. These high-profile issues, combined with Achbar’s role in Rotterdam's municipal government, have led to speculation about whether the fire could be related to his political work.
As the investigation continues, the city of Rotterdam has been dealing with other pressing issues. In a related development, Rotterdam’s municipal council recently debated a motion that would end its temporary support for illegal migrants, a move that has sparked public protests.
Achbar, who has been in office since 2022, previously worked in education and holds a master's degree in sociology from Erasmus University. He has expressed frustration with the political climate surrounding integration and immigration policies in the Netherlands. “It’s one of the most difficult issues to address in this country,” he said. “And it's painful when we’re discussing human lives."
