Jacques Wallage, former mayor of Groningen, dies at 79

Jacques Wallage, the former mayor of Groningen and a prominent Dutch politician, has passed away at the age of 79. Born in Apeldoorn in 1946 to a Jewish family, Wallage grew up in Groningen and dedicated much of his life to public service and academia.

Wallage’s political career spanned several decades, including roles in the Groningen municipal council, as an alderman, in the House of Representatives, and as a state secretary. He also served as the parliamentary leader of the Labour Party (PvdA). His tenure as mayor of Groningen was noted for his ability to connect with citizens and his success in bringing major projects and events to the city.

His commitment to the rule of law and democratic procedures was deeply influenced by his family's experience during the Holocaust, during which his mother’s parents were murdered in the Sobibor extermination camp. Wallage believed that because a government has the power to withdraw protections from citizens, it must act with extreme care, accountability, and justice. In addition to his political work, he remained an honorary professor at the University of Groningen until his death.