Amsterdam has a new finance chief [November 29, 2012]

The departure of Lodewijk Asscher to The Hague and the elevated position of social affairs minister and deputy PM left a gap in Amsterdam. His job has now been taken by Pieter Hilhorst, whose claim to fame (and suitability) is that he is a former Parool columnist.

Seems rather bizarre that the capital is entrusting its finances and multi-million euro budget to someone with no experience in government but I guess the powers that be know what they are doing.

Hilhorst is, says the Parool, a fervant Facebook user and yesterday issued the following online statement: 'Amsterdam city council has named me alderman in charge of finance, eduction and youth. Its an unbelievable honour and now to work.'

In good old Facebook terminology, 44 people like this and 26 have commented.

Most off-putting thing about the appointment is Hilhorst's Facebook picture - one of those cutesy sideways looking fotos. He also quotes his daughter.

Makes me wish I had paid more attention to his columns so I could make some pithy remark about his polices, but I cant. He says he plans to be 'tough and social'. We shall keep an eye on his progress with interest.