At Home: Ahmed Aboutaleb’s Extraordinary Life, from His Youth in Morocco to Mayor of Rotterdam

The candid autobiography of Ahmed Aboutaleb, in which he recounts for the first time his extraordinary life and political career: from his youth in Morocco to the mayorship of Rotterdam.

When Ahmed Aboutaleb moved from Morocco to The Hague at the age of fifteen, he was certain of one thing: if he wanted to succeed there, he had to master the language and start from scratch. He learned Dutch, attended a technical school, and worked in the hospitality industry. By chance, he ended up in journalism. When his contract wasn’t renewed, he and his wife, Khadoudj, decided it was time to settle down with their young family. He started as a civil servant and later moved to government advisory boards.

In 2004, he succeeded Rob Oudekerk as a city councilor in Amsterdam. Shortly afterward, the murder of Theo van Gogh shook the nation, and Aboutaleb found himself at the center of the storm with his outspoken remarks, forcing him into temporary seclusion. In 2007, he became a State Secretary in the fourth Balkenende government, and two years later, Mayor of Rotterdam. He is seen as a role model, but also faces skepticism. Amidst all this turmoil, he has remained steadfast in his approach of “solidarity.” After the 2015 attack on Charlie Hebdo, he made a powerful impression with his sharp and emotional response: “If you don’t respect the freedom of others, pack your bags and leave.”

Thuis offers an unbiased look at the life and career of Ahmed Aboutaleb, as he recounts his own experiences.