Frits Bolkestein

Erudite Dutch liberal politician and writer.

His father Dr. Nicolaas "Nico" Bolkestein (27 July 1910, Den Haag- 3 December 1993, Deventer) was a lawyer, after the war judge in Leeuwarden and Social Democratic major of Middelburg (1950-1957) and Deventer (1957-1975). His mother Anna Margaretha Meijjes was born in Semarang, Indonesia and became a housewife. They married in 4 March 1926 in Naarden and Frits was their third child.

His grandfather Gerrit Bolkestein (9 October 1871, Amsterdam – 8 September 1956, Den Haag) was Minister for Education, Art and Science from 1939 until 1945, and was part of the Dutch government-in-exile from 1940. Because of that, his father was arrested and kept prison as a hostage in St. Michielsgestel (1942-44). As the family had no income, it was a troublesome time.

He followed the Barlaeus Gymnasium in Amsterdam. He studied mathematics at the Oregon State College, USA from 1951-53. From 1955-59 he studied mathematics and physics, philosophy and Greek at the University of Amsterdam, in 1964 Economics in London and became in 1965 Master at Law at the University of Leiden.

He made from 1960 till 1976 an international career with Shell Group with posts in East Africa (1960-64), Honduras and El Salvador (1965-68), London (1968-70), Indonesia (1970-72) and Paris( 1973-76) as the Director of Shell Chimie, Paris. Thereafter he went into politics for the Liberal VVD (member since 1975).

From 16 January 1978 till 5 November 1982 he member of Parliament for the Liberal VVD party. From 5 November 1982 till 14 July 1986 he was Minister for Foreign Trade under Lubbers. From 3 June 1986 till 24 September 1988 he was again in Dutch Parliament, being Chairman Atlantic Commission of the Netherlands.

From 24 September 1988 till 7 November 1989 he was Minister of Defence under Lubbers II. From 14 September 1989 till 21 September 1999 he was member of parliament again. From 1 May 1990 till 30 July 1998, he was Chairman of the V.V.D.