een half jaar later: stilte rond het burgemeesterschap schouten
Rotterdam, zondag, 5 april 2026.
Carola Schouten is ruim anderhalf jaar burgemeester van Rotterdam. Beginnelingenoptjes zijn verdwenen. Nu groeit de kritiek. Belangrijke medewerkers zijn vertrokken. Ambtenaren en beleidsleiders op het gebied van veiligheid zijn weg. Mensen binnen het college spreken van een controlerende stijl. Tegelijk krijgt Schouten geluid vanuit de horeca en bewoners die meer zichtbaarheid willen. Ze probeert aanwezig te zijn in problematische buurten. Recent sprak ze actief voor de wijkraadverkiezingen. Toch blijft de vraag hangen: waar staat Rotterdam met zijn nieuwe burgemeester? De verwachtingen waren hoog. Die maken nu plaats voor twijfel.
a rocky start amid rising turnover
Carola Schouten has served as mayor of Rotterdam for one and a half years as of April 5, 2026 [GPT]. During her tenure, several senior officials have left their positions. Both of her initial policy advisors and two spokespersons departed within a year. Key figures such as former chief prosecutor Hugo Hillenaar and security director Corine Duitman also stepped down after her appointment [1]. Internal sources describe Schouten as a “control freak” who struggles with team dynamics [1].
leadership changes fuel concern
The departure of top civil servants adds pressure to Schouten’s leadership. Most recently, municipal secretary Gerben Wigmans (59) left office on April 1, 2026, after less than two years, citing difficult collaboration with the mayor [1]. Other critical roles in public order—such as police chief, public prosecutor, and head of safety—are now vacant following her arrival in November 2024 [1]. Critics argue these exits reflect deeper structural instability under her watch [1].
political voices express doubt
Members of the city council have voiced concerns publicly. VVD representative Dieke van Groningen stated in February 2026 that Schouten lacks visibility on safety issues [1]. She noted residents feel unsafe and hospitality businesses are struggling without sufficient support [1]. D66 council member Agnes Maassen added that progressive causes often face resistance from Schouten [1]. According to Maassen, other mayors actively show inclusivity, which contrasts with Schouten’s approach [1].
community outreach efforts continue
Despite mounting criticism, Schouten remains active in local communities. Ahead of the municipal elections on March 20, 2026, she campaigned in Carnisse to encourage voter participation [2]. She personally cast her ballot during the district council elections, signaling civic involvement [2]. These actions aim to strengthen trust among citizens concerned about crime and livability [1]. Her presence in affected neighborhoods followed incidents like drug-related disturbances in Oude Westen and youth violence in IJsselmonde [1].
public image shaped by personal touch
Schouten attempts to counterbalance institutional challenges through symbolic gestures. Upcoming public appearances include descending the Euromast and celebrating her wedding publicly, both planned as relationship-building moments with citizens [1]. While some appreciate her accessibility, others question whether such acts substitute for strong governance [1]. As political discussions begin around forming a new coalition excluding Leefbaar Rotterdam, her ability to unite diverse stakeholders remains under scrutiny [1].