Dutch towns Alphen aan den Rijn and Groningen appoint new child mayors

Alphen aan den Rijn selected Sebastiaan as the new child mayor after a selection day with six candidates. A new child council, including child councilors Alexis, Matthijs, Max, Olivia and Rose‑Mariezijn, was also installed to represent youth interests in municipal matters.

In Groningen, five children – Amira, Dani, Isleen, Lotta and Risa – are contesting the position of child mayor. The final vote will take place on Tuesday in the Forum, with the result announced at 17:00. The current child mayor, Biene, and loco‑child mayor, Senneh, will hand over the role.

Both towns use the child mayor program to involve young residents in local governance, allowing them to attend official events and voice youth perspectives.