H.A.F.M.O. van Mierlo, minister of Defensie. Author Croes, Rob C. WIKIMEDIA

Top 10 Astonishing Facts About Hans Van Mierlo

Hans Van Mierlo’s full name was known as Henricus Antonius Franciscus Maria Oliva van Mierlo. He was born on 18th August 1931 in a Roman Catholic family, in Breda. which is the province of North Brabant.

Mielro  was the second child out of eight children of Anthonius Alphonsus Marie van Mierlo who was born on 9th May 1902 and Adriana Maria Francisca van der Schrieck who was born on 3rd April 1905.

Let’s learn the top 10 astonishing facts about Hans Van Mierlo.

1. He Served as the Minister of Defence in the Cabinet Van Agt II

Defence minister. Author Nationaal Archief. WIKIMEDIA

In  1981 after the general election in Dutch, Van Mierlo was appointed by Jan Terlouw to be the Minister of Defence during the Second Van Agt cabinet. Which was led by the then Prime Minister Dries van Agt, the prime minister was a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). He served from 11 September 1981 until 4 November 1982.

 During the Dutch Senate election in 1983,  Van Mierlo was elected as a Senator. He served from 13 September 1983 until 4 June 1986.

2.  Mierlo was Re-elected as Leader of the Democrats 66 in 1986

In 1986, Mierlo  staged a perfect political comeback when he was re-elected as Leader of the Democrats 66 on 25 January 1986. It was during this election Hans Van Mierlo won nine seats as lijsttrekker. Also during the Dutch general election of  1989 Van Mierlo once again, as lijsttrekker, won twelve seats.

In  1994 during the Dutch general election Van Mierlo, again for the sixth time, as Lijsttrekker,  won twenty-four seats. It is during this election the Democrats 66 became the major party in the House of Representatives

3. He Served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Hans van Mierlo and Wim Kok Date. Author Rob Bogaerts. WIKIMEDIA

Kok cabinet was formed when a deal was struck between the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Due to this deal, Van Mierlo became the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs where he served from 22 August 1994 until 3 August 1998.

The Kok cabinet was the first Netherlands cabinet without a Christian Democratic party. This made it to be considered the groundbreaker in Dutch politics.

4. Mierlo Retired as Democratic 66 Leader in 1997

On 7th March  1997, Mierlo  announced his retirement as Leader of the Democrats 66. But he retained his seat as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 He retained these seats until the Second Kok cabinet kicked off on 3 August 1998. But in  1998 during the Dutch general election, Van Mierlo was re-elected to the House of Representatives but resigned on 18th August in the year 1998.

5. He Served in the First Convection of the Future of Europe

When Van Mierlo retired from active politics during his sixty-seventh birthday. He was appointed to serve as the first Dutch to represent the country in the Convention on the Future of Europe.

The Convention occurred on 1St March 2002 until 26 September 2002. Moreover, Mierlo was appointed to various seats on supervisory boards of cultural organizations.

6. He Founded a Party in 1966

Party Congress of D’66 in Leiden. Hans van Mierlo addresses the conference attendees. Author Anefo.WIKIMEDIA

In  1966 Van Mierlo together with his colleague Hans Gruijters founded the Democrats 66 party. This is after the continued frustrations from the government with the Establishment of parties. Mierlo was selected as its Leader and Chairman of the Democrats 66 on 14th October 1966.

7. He Resigned as a Parliamentary Leader in 1973

After elections were held, Hans was appointed the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning which was against his will. Due to this and disappointments causes by the election results he resigned as parliamentary leader of his party, the Democrats 66, in the House of Representatives.

Hans also resigned as the Leader of the Democrats 66 on 1st September 1973. But Van Mierlo remained a member of the House until the year 1977 during the Dutch general election which was held on 8th June.

8. Hans Served as a Diplomat after he Retired from Active Politics

When he officially retired from active politics at the age of sixty-seven years, Hans shifted his political views and became active in the public sector. He served as a non-profit director. Furthermore, Hans served as a diplomat for several economic and diplomatic delegations where he represented the government.

Hans  also continued to be active as an advocate. Furthermore,  a lobbyist for more European integration, republican issues and also government reforms.

9. He Resigned from the House of Representatives in 1998

The party leaders vote for the parliamentary elections Description: Hans van Mierlo casts his vote. Author Rob Bogaerts.WIKIMEDIA

In March 1997 Van Mierlo released an announcement which stated that he was going to step down as Leader for the second time but he would still stand for the election of 1998. After the cabinet was formed, Van Mierlo was requested to continue with his service in the new cabinet but in a different function a request he declined.

 Hans preferred to return to the House of Representatives on 19th May 1998. After cabinet Kok 11 was installed, Hans announced his retirement from politics and also resigned from the House of Representatives on 18th August 1998.

10. He was living with a Transplanted Liver since the Year 2000

After a long period of struggle with liver issues, Hans van Mierlo died on 11th March 2010. At the time of his death, he was seventy-eight years old.

Hans van Mierlo was living with a transplanted liver since the year 2000. The liver was transplanted due to liver failure which was a consequence of hepatitis. Which was caused by contamination that he contracted from a blood transfusion done in  1982.

Hans Van Meirlo was a great leader who served his country with honour and inspires young servants to serve with diligence regardless of the position they are called upon. He is remembered for his honesty when still in service.