That Rijxman called Kaag rather than Van Dantzig says a lot

Shula Rijxman concluded this week that being an alderman did not suit her, a sad end to her eight-month aldermanship The question that has lingered in and around the town hall, however, is mainly how she got there in the first place.

D66 has always pointed to the unanimous enthusiasm of the Amsterdam selection committee about Rijxman But in circles around D66 it is heard that the national party leadership itself also very much wanted Rijxman to become alderman.

In that light, it is in style that Rijxman first called Sigrid Kaag on Monday evening about her wish to leave, and only later Reinier van Dantzig Hague leaders always look with a slanted eye if their party can provide an alderman in the capital.

It is a visible position that, with a bit of luck, reflects well on the entire party Political arguments, therefore, without value for Amsterdammers.

A few years ago, the PvdA also proudly brought an administrative gun to the capital to become alderman, Sharon Dijksma She got off to a good start, but true love for the city? After two years, she left for Utrecht to fulfill a long-cherished wish of becoming mayor.

Kajsa Ollongren (D66), then Rutte's most important advisor, was also presented as a trophy in 2014, although it was known that she wanted to return to The Hague in the long term That moment came just three years after she took office as alderman, in which she took action against overtourism far too late.

The Amsterdam aldermanship should not be a springboard to quickly move to The Hague or to meet national wishes Certainly not in a city where waiting lists for healthcare are increasing, the gap between rich and poor is growing and the housing shortage is spreading.

Let that be a lesson in choosing the next alderman Van Dantzig bears political responsibility for the failed appointment of Rijxman, but is spared by PvdA and GroenLinks and may nominate a new alderman.

After barely eight months in office, the board also realizes that there is no point in arguing in the tent The painful conclusion is that this week not only resulted in a personal drama for Rijxman and a scratch on the profile of Van Dantzig and the whole of D66, but also that there were months of administrative standstill in an important portfolio such as healthcare, where from next year 5 million euros in cuts are planned.

As always, there is immediately wild speculation about new names (wildest rumour: Speaker of the House of Representatives Vera Bergkamp) It is hoped that someone will be chosen who can be there immediately to quickly make up for the damage incurred by the city.

Amsterdam does not need trophies, but solid administrators with a proven heart for the city In Republic of Amsterdam, political reporter Tim Wagemakers sheds light on a political topic from the city.

Comment? T Wagemakers@parool

nl Want to hear more? Also listen to our podcast Amsterdam metropolis:.