Amsterdam pushes to give male municipal councilors parental leave

Three city councilors in Amsterdam are pushing to allow male city councilors to take paternity leave around the birth of a child. Currently, male councilors do not have the option to do so. “As things stand, there are no arrangements in place at all. That’s truly archaic—it’s probably the only job in the Netherlands where that’s still the case," VVD city councilor Daan Wijnants told the Telegraaf.

This push started with Bastiaan Minderhoud (PRO), who became a father six months ago. He intended to take a temporary leave of absence. “Just like my female colleagues in the faction had done before me. Up until two weeks before the birth, I assumed this was possible - only to be told that men aren’t allowed to do this.”

According to the law, the birth of a child is not a valid reason for a man to take leave from the municipal council. “As a man, you’re required to provide a doctor’s note,” Minderhoud said, calling the policy “incredibly dated.” He continued: “During those first few hectic, emotional weeks, your partner needs so much support. You simply want to be there.”

He is supported by Rob Hofland (D66) and Daan Wijnants (VVD), both of whom have children due toward the end of this year. That coincides with the local government working on its multi-billion-euro budget. “In my other job, I’ll be given time and space to bond with my daughter; yet in my role as council member, I’m effectively expected to make decisions regarding €8 billion the day after the birth,” Hofland said. “That is, quite simply, irresponsible governance.”

Modernizing this policy will also make serving on the municipal council more attractive, the councilors believe. While allowing parental leave for male city councilors, they also want to change the requirement for women to officially resign from their positions around the time they give birth. Because these changes will require a constitutional amendment, it will take some time for new policy to come into effect.

"If we get our way, it won't be in time for the birth of our own children," Hofland told the newspaper. "We’re doing this so that parents can serve as municipal council members. That might actually be quite useful in a city that young families currently tend to leave."