Ever heard of a leader so beloved that his death brought an entire city to a standstill? That man was Eberhard van der Laan. He was Amsterdam’s mayor from 2010 until his death in 2017.
Eberhard van der Laan wasn’t born in Amsterdam. He came from Rijnsburg a small town near Leiden. He studied law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and graduated cum laude in 1983. He co-founded the law firm Kennedy Van der Laan.
Before becoming mayor Eberhard van der Laan was Minister for Housing Communities and Integration. He served from 2008 to 2010. He was a member of the Labour Party PvdA.
As mayor Eberhard van der Laan quickly became known for his ability to connect with people. He showed both strictness and empathy. He could unite different groups. People loved him for that.
In January 2017 came shocking news. Eberhard van der Laan had terminal lung cancer. In September he wrote a letter to the Amsterdammers. He said treatment options were exhausted. Kajsa Ollongren would take over his duties.
Eberhard van der Laan died on October 5 2017. He was only 62. His death was widely mourned. People felt like they had lost a friend.
Do you know what Eberhard van der Laan told the residents when he had to give up his duties as mayor in September 2017 due to his health? He told them to take good care of their city and for each other.
Eberhard van der Laan’s legacy lives on. He was known for his dedication to Amsterdam. He always put the city first. He was a true Amsterdammer at heart. He is buried in a coffin made of a felled oak from the Vondelpark.