Junior social affairs minister Ahmed Aboutaleb is in the race for the position of Rotterdam mayor, according to sources quoted in Thursday’s Telegraaf.

The Labour party minister is competing in a tight contest with Maastricht mayor Gerd Leers (Christian Democrats), local councillor Wim van Sluis (Leefbaar Rotterdam) and former Leeuwarden mayor Geert Dales (Liberals).
The commission charged with choosing the new mayor, who will replace Ivo Opstelten, is due to meet today, says the Telegraaf.