Netherlands' retired liberal politician: Who is Frits Bolkestein?

He was a well-known politician in the 1990s. As an opinion leader, he was known for his bold and controversial positions on issues such as multiculturalism issues in Dutch society, the political duality between government and parliament, and the structure and enlargement of the European Union.

Born in 1933, Frederik Frits Bolkestein is a Dutch citizen. Bolkestein, who is married and has three children, graduated from Barlaeus High School in Amsterdam, studied Mathematics at Oregon State College in the United States between 1951 and 1953, and studied mathematics and physics, philosophy, and Greek at Gemeentelijke University in Amsterdam between 1955 and 1959. has been educated.

After graduating from the first department of the Faculty of Economics at the University of London in 1964, he received a Master's degree in Law from Leiden University in 1965.

Frederik "Frits" Bolkestein (born 4 April 1933) is a Dutch retired politician and energy executive who served as Leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) from 1990 to 1998 and European Commissioner for Internal Market from 1999 until 2004 under Romano Prodi.

Bolkestein, who worked for Shell Chemistry (Chimie) in East Africa, Honduras, El Salvador, London, Indonesia, and Paris between 1960 and 1976, served as the Manager of Shell Chemistry (Chimie) in Paris between 1973 and 1976. he did.

Bolkestein, who started his political career as a Member of Parliament (Liberal) for the VVD between 1978 and 1982, served in the same position between 86′-88′ and 89′-99.

Bolkestein served as Minister of Foreign Trade from 1982-1986, President of the Atlantic Commission in the Netherlands in 1986-1988, Ministry of Defense in 1988-1989, and President of the Parliamentary Group VVD in 1990-1998. After 1996, he served as the President of the Liberal International. He served as its president.

Bolkestein also served as a Member of the European Commission responsible for the Internal Market, Tax, and Customs Union. He was also President of the Amsterdam Bach Solos and a Member of the Royal Institute for International Affairs in London.

He has books and articles.