In her nomination, Halsema was called ‘an example for public administration in this time of polarization’ by the organizers. And: ‘She performs decisively and sees the groups in her city who ask attention’ Halsema was also praised for her communication, decisiveness and self -reflection.
2024
The mayor had a turbulent 2024. Halsema had to deal with ascending tensions in the city due to the war in Gaza. On campuses from universities, the occupations of Pro-Palestina demonstrators and a visit from thousands of fans of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv ran out on disturbances and violence. Halsema has regularly commented on the consequences that the war in Gaza has for Amsterdammers.
The prize for best local director is organized by Necker and Domestic Administration. Necker is a research institute that focuses on public administration in the Netherlands. The Domestic Board is a professional journal for civil servants and administrators.
Other nominees
In total there were thirteen nominees. Other well -known names were Jeroen Dijsselbloem, mayor of Eindhoven, and Jetta Klijnsma, Commissioner for the King in Drenthe. Both PvdA members were in the Rutte II cabinet: the one as State Secretary (Klijnsma) and the other as Minister (Dijsselbloem).
It was the 16th time that the best local director election was organized. A total of 19,478 votes were cast.