Rotterdam MayorKept Cancer Diagnosis Secret During Tenure

Rotterdam, Netherlands — In a surprising revelation, Ahmed Aboutaleb, the outgoing mayor of Rotterdam, has disclosed that he kept his thyroid cancer diagnosis secret during his tenure. According to a new biography, Je suis Ahmed, by AD reporter Peter Groenendijk, Aboutaleb was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in late 2020, but chose not to disclose the information to the public.

Aboutaleb, who served as Rotterdam’s mayor for three terms, from 2009 to 2024, did not reveal his health condition to the public. In an interview with local broadcaster Rijnmond, he explained his decision: I thought it was perhaps too personal; you should keep that to yourself.

The cancer diagnosis came to light through an accidental discovery. In late 2020, Aboutaleb was troubled by a persistent issue with his left eye and underwent an ultrasound examination. The tumors were detected during this routine procedure. He only informed the city that he had a thyroid condition and that he had undergone a procedure.

Despite the diagnosis, Aboutaleb returned to work part-time two weeks after his surgery, during which his thyroid was removed. This decision was made after consulting with a limited number of trusted individuals, who informed him that his health condition was a significant setback.

During a period of unrest in Rotterdam, Aboutaleb faced a particularly challenging moment. As the city experienced consecutive nights of rioting, he stood firm and confronted the crowd on Beijerlandselaan. In a rare moment of tension, he stated that it was the only time in his career when he threatened to use tear gas to restore public order.

Aboutaleb’s decision to keep his cancer diagnosis private was not without its challenges. During the national nighttime curfew implemented in the Netherlands for the first time since World War II, he had to navigate the tense and volatile atmosphere. His firm stance and willingness to address the crowd directly underscored his commitment to public service, even in the face of personal health concerns.

Aboutaleb’s political career began in January 2009, and he was re-elected for a second term in 2015. He was again tapped for a third term in 2021 but decided to step down at the end of last year. His final day in office is scheduled for Thursday.

In an interview, Aboutaleb attributed his decision to step down to the domestic front. I’ll go so far as to say that the domestic front was the initiator of this decision, he said. This decision was made in consultation with his family, reflecting a balance between his professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

The biography, Je suis Ahmed, provides a detailed account of Aboutaleb’s years as mayor and sheds light on the personal sacrifices he made during his tenure. It also highlights the complex challenges he faced, both personally and professionally, during his time in office.

As Rotterdam prepares to say goodbye to its beloved mayor, the city reflects on his legacy and the impact he had on its governance and development. Aboutaleb’s decision to keep his cancer diagnosis secret serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices often made by public figures in the pursuit of their duties.