Unveiling of the van Mierlo Bridge Amsterdam

District chair Dehlia Timman festively unveiled the Van Mierlo Bridge. Ten years after the death of the former foreman and founder of D66, the Amsterdam city council has decided to immortalise him in the streets. “The images of Hans van Mierlo who walked along the Amsterdam canals and addressed the voter directly are iconic and are still etched in the memory of many Dutch people. It is nice that this bridge is a tribute to that,” said party chairman Reinier van Dantzig.

Political innovator
In the 1960s, Van Mierlo was one of the founders a new party in Amsterdam. He wanted to shake up the political system and was deeply concerned about the state of democracy. He stood out with his innovative ideas and political style. Walking along the Amsterdam canals, Van Mierlo addressed the voters directly. His approach is still relevant today.
Van Mierlo immediately entered the House of Representatives with seven seats.  Unprecedented for a newcomer at the time! During his career, he has held various positions, including ministerial posts. He eventually completed his duty with honours with an appointment as Minister of State. Reinier van Dantzig: “Van Mierlo has meant a lot to the Netherlands and Amsterdam. With charisma and impetus, he has always fought for a strong democracy and a country in which everyone feels heard.”

Immortalised in the streets
Last December, the city council commissioned the council to find a bridge with a clear link to Hans van Mierlo’s life and give him his name. That bridge has been located, and former bridge 18 over the Herengracht was unveiled as the Van Mierlo bridge. The bridge was meaningful to Van Mierlo. He lived right next door, and his well-known campaign spot from 1966 was shot there. As the daughter of Van Mierlo mentioned: “I think he would like it that the choice has been made for this bridge and not another one.”