Voorstede

This article is about the German city. For other uses, see Voorstede (disambiguation).

Voorstede Veurstadt
City
Descending, from top: View of the Binnen Waterfront, warehouse district, and Voorstede city hall
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: Onze stad tussen heide en zee
Country	Vossem
Government
• Body	Stadsraad van Voorstede
• First Mayor	Peter Vandenlange (Conservatieven)
• Governing parties	Conservatieven
Area
• City	1,255.22 km2 (484.64 sq mi)
Population  (30 September 2016)
• City	4,822,445
• Density	3,800/km2 (10,000/sq mi)
• Metro	9,107,429
Demonym	Voors
Posta Code	10000-11500
Area Code	010
ISO 3166 code	VO-VO
Vehicle registration	V

Voorstede is the capital city of Vossem, and the administrative seat of the Hoofstedelijk Gewest. It is the seat of the Vossian monarchy. Voorstede is the second largest city in the country in terms of both population and economic importance. The city straddles the river Ven shortly before it reaches the sea.

Government

Voorstede City Hall (front view)

The city and administrative area of Voorstede are governed by the Stadsraad van Voorstede ('City Council of Voorstede') which is elected by and represents residents of the capital administrative region in most aspects while the House of Deemse still retains some of its historical special privileges to this day, though the royal house tends to keep out of local politics and remain on the city council in a ceremonial role. The role of Council Speaker is traditionally held by the heir apparent after completing their studies and military service until the day they ascend to the throne.

The city government is made up of the Kleine Stadsraad (Little City Council), Grote Landsraad (Great Land Council) and then the offices of the Commisariaat (Commissariat). The city council is made up of representatives from Voorstede's boroughs, which are elected directly by Vossian citizens living in the boroughs. The Grote Landsraad is made up of representatives from the counties within the administrative are, which coincides with the medieval holdings of the Deemse hold. Each county is granted five representatives while Voorstede is granted fifteen. The Commissariat is the remnant of the old system of charters and guilds in the city, and represents special interests to the city and regional government. There are various commisariats representing everything from the press agencies, to the banking institutions, to the harbor, down to bakeries and bookshops.

The seat of the city and regional government are in Voorstede's city hall. The current building is the most recognizable example of Vossian Neo-Renaissance style architecture today. Its foundations lay on top of the city's previous city halls. Records and archaeological digs have confirmed three different structures on the sight dating back to the original settlement.