Rotterdam is a major city; perhaps the one thing that is a first -- and a very important one -- for Sadiq Khan is that he is the first Muslim mayor elected mostly by non-Muslims. And I think that is a repudiation of a prevalent narrative by some non-Muslims (and indeed some Muslims) that the future of Europe is somehow a competitive game where one of these groups will win. The positive aspects of the future of Europe are in the hands of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, and others who are willing to think of themselves as Europeans sharing a common destiny, enthusiastically dedicated to arguing about taxes, fashion, health care, and who has the best beer,tea, or coffee like civilized people.
Although Aboutaleb was appointed strictly speaking, not elected, albeit appointed by an elected party.
Rotterdam is a major city; perhaps the one thing that is a first -- and a very important one -- for Sadiq Khan is that he is the first Muslim mayor elected mostly by non-Muslims. And I think that is a repudiation of a prevalent narrative by some non-Muslims (and indeed some Muslims) that the future of Europe is somehow a competitive game where one of these groups will win. The positive aspects of the future of Europe are in the hands of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, and others who are willing to think of themselves as Europeans sharing a common destiny, enthusiastically dedicated to arguing about taxes, fashion, health care, and who has the best beer,tea, or coffee like civilized people.
And, just in case you're still confused, he means look __literally__ to the left (the direction, not the political school).