Society

Melting pot

In short, it's no coincidence that Amsterdam has become the most multicultural city in the world. The city has become a melting pot, with not only space for people of 174 different nationalities but also with room for alternative lifestyles such as homosexuality and squat culture. What may sometimes seem as contradictory to an outsider is actually the basis of all Amsterdam culture: the freedom to be who you are – and to say what you think.

Politics

The Executive Board of Amsterdam is formed by the Mayor and six Aldermen (Elders). The mayor is appointed by the Crown (Royal family) for a period of six years – extension is possible. The six Aldermen are elected by and from the municipal council.

The municipal council is elected every four years by the inhabitants of Amsterdam. Even those with a foreign passport who’ve lived in the city for at least five years have the right to vote in these elections. Forty-five councillors form the municipal council, with the seats filled by representatives from various political parties.

Amsterdam is known as a liberal city and it is particularly the left-oriented political parties who hold the most political power. For example, the Social Democratic Party and Labour have dominated the Mayoral position for years.

District councils

Some of the powers of the Amsterdam council have been transferred to a lower level - the district councils. There are 15 boroughs in the city, each with their own executive and district council. This government – elected every four years by residents from the individual boroughs – was created to bring politics closer to the citizens. The roles district councils are most commonly involved in are those closest to the people. Examples include: providing passports, parking permits, redesigning streets and sanitation.