Mayor of Amsterdam Steps Down Due to Terminal Lung Cancer Battle

[Dr.Critic]

[quote= Netherland Times]Amsterdam mayor Eberhard van der Laan officially stepped down from office on Monday, announcing his decision in a letter to the city’s residents. Van der Laan took on a new term of office earlier this year, despite being diagnosed with metastasized lung cancer. Deputy Mayor Kajsa Ollongren will take over the role of mayor in the interim.

“Your support has helped me enormously,” Van der Laan said. “It was a great privilege to be the mayor of the nicest and prettiest city in the world.”

He went on to thank all Amsterdammers for placing their trust in him for the past seven years, and for working with him in times of both agreement and dissent.

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte reacted to the letter quickly on Twitter, calling it "very sad news," and expressing "admiration for his courage and openness." Rutte added that the whole country "empathizes with him and his family."[/quote]

Source: [url]https://nltimes.nl/2017/09/18/amsterdam-mayor-battling-health-problems-steps[/url]

I visited Amsterdam last month and thought it was a very nice place, I'm saddened to hear this. Here is his [url=https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21751652_1419428424809389_7971964552339155888_n.jpg?oh=2be871ec23b30e9eb6a65824b81c7e7f&oe=5A5E1E32]letter to the public[/url], which I'm told calls for Amsterdamers to look after each other, though I can't read it because I don't know Dutch.

[Robotnik]

Hand translated the rest just for u

[quote]Dear Amsterdammers,

In January I wrote that I had received bad news from my doctors, but I hoped that I could be your mayor for a little while longer.
I have gladly done this for the last eight months. Your support has helped me enormously.

But that time has come to an end. Today I received the message from my doctors that they cannot treat me any further.
I have called in sick with the king's commissioner, (Johan) Remkes. For now, my job will be taken over by deputy mayor Kajsa Ollongren.

It was a great privilege to be the mayor of the nicest and prettiest city in the world. I thank you for all the trust you have put into me, for your involvement, and for all the support and criticism that I have received from you in the past seven years.

Take good care of our city and each other.

Farewell,

[I]Eberhard[/I]
[/quote]