Amsterdam looking for mayor with a sense of humor: report

The parties in Amsterdam's city council have high demands for the city's new mayor. They are looking for someone who "deals wit things with humor and perspective", radiates a vision, and is "accessible and approachable for all sections of Amsterdam society", according to a confidential draft profile drawn up by the party leaders, which the Telegraaf managed to get hold of.

The new mayor must consider transparency and integrity to be of paramount importance, according to the profile. "The mayor is the personification of the three Andreas crosses of Amsterdam: heroic, determined, merciful. The mayor is a democrat in heart and soul and the guardian of the rule of law." Amsterdam deserves a mayor that is an "example", "networker" and "advocate", the party leaders write. "Amsterdammers must have confidence in 'their' mayor."

The party leaders want the mayor to be "an inspiration in addition to networker and negotiator", according to the newspaper. "Someone who identifies opportunities, acts accordingly and achieves results." The mayor must have "vision and persuasiveness" and be someone who "acts when the situation demands it", but also "keep a good eye on the limits of the laws and regulations and the financial position of the city". The mayor must work "decisively and energetically" when it comes to maintaining public order and reducing general danger.

This profile will be discussed in the city council on Thursday. Once the profile is definitively established, the application procedure can begin. Candidates can register with Johan Remkes, commissioner of the King, who will then submit the names to a confidential committee of the city council.

Acting mayor Jozias van Aartsen, who took over after the death of Eberhard van der Laan, previously said that he wants to retire before the summer.