‘Rotterdam mayor Aboutaleb had cancer, but kept it quiet’

The Mayor of Rotterdam was stricken with cancer four years ago. That’s in there I am Ahmedthe book by reporter AD Peter Groenendijk about Aboutaleb’s years as mayor of Rotterdam. Because of the disease, her thyroid was removed. Aboutaleb did not reveal his illness on purpose, reports the AD.

Aboutaleb did not contribute to the book, but in a retrospective interview that later appeared in the newspaper, he spoke about the judgment. “I thought: ‘That could be very personal, you should keep that to yourself.

According to the newspaper, malignant tumors were accidentally discovered during an ultrasound examination at the end of 2020 because he had complaints in his eye. He then only told a small group of people at the town hall.

At his request, the city only disclosed that the mayor had a thyroid condition. Shortly after surgery to remove his thyroid gland, he returned to work part-time.

A month after the intervention, he warned rioters after the curfew riots in the city. The newspaper does not report whether Aboutaleb has fully recovered from the disease.

Next Thursday, Aboutaleb will say goodbye as mayor of Rotterdam. Carola Schouten will be a success and will be appointed on 10 October.