Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb has ended mounting speculation and gone public with his wish to have a third term in office in the port city.

Aboutaleb, a Labour party member, was the first Muslim mayor to be appointed in a big city in Western Europe when he took up his appointment in 2008.

His second term in office expires next year but Aboutaleb has told city officials he would like to remain in the job in order to play a role in the energy transition, in transforming the city’s economy and in boosting educational opportunities.

As mayor, Aboutaleb has a reputation for not being afraid of confrontation and has won praise for his tough line on jihadis. He is also a strong supporter of regulated marijuana production while urging the government to do more to combat drugs gangs operating at the city’s port.

Mayors in the Netherlands are formally crown appointees.

The biggest party on Rotterdam city council is the right wing Leefbaar Rotterdam, with 11 seats, but the city is ruled by a six party coalition, excluding the populists.