Frits Korthals Altes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frits Korthals Altes
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Korthals Altes in 2001
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| President of the Senate | |
| In office 11 March 1997 – 2 October 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Herman Tjeenk Willink |
| Succeeded by | Gerrit Braks |
| Parliamentary leader in the Senate | |
| In office 13 June 1995 – 11 March 1997 |
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| Preceded by | David Luteijn |
| Succeeded by | Leendert Ginjaar |
| Parliamentary group | People's Party for Freedom and Democracy |
| Member of the House of Representatives | |
| In office 14 September 1989 – 11 June 1991 |
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| Minister of the Interior | |
| In office 26 January 1987 – 3 February 1987 Ad interim |
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| Prime Minister | Ruud Lubbers |
| Preceded by | Kees van Dijk |
| Succeeded by | Jan de Koning (Ad interim) |
| In office 20 February 1986 – 12 March 1986 Ad interim |
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| Prime Minister | Ruud Lubbers |
| Preceded by | Koos Rietkerk |
| Succeeded by | Rudolf de Korte |
| Minister of Justice | |
| In office 4 November 1982 – 7 November 1989 |
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| Prime Minister | Ruud Lubbers |
| Preceded by | Job de Ruiter |
| Succeeded by | Ernst Hirsch Ballin |
| Member of the Senate | |
| In office 11 June 1991 – 2 October 2001 |
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| In office 10 June 1981 – 4 November 1982 |
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| Chairman of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy |
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| In office 15 March 1975 – 22 May 1981 |
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| Leader | Hans Wiegel |
| Preceded by | Haya van Someren |
| Succeeded by | Jan Kamminga |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Frederik Korthals Altes
15 May 1931 Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Died | 19 February 2025 (aged 93) |
| Political party | People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (from 1956) |
| Spouses |
Titia Kist
(m. 1965; div. 1985)Hendrika Matthijssen
(m. 1985) |
| Children | 3 sons |
| Residences | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Alma mater | Leiden University (Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws) |
| Occupation | Politician · Jurist · Lawyer · Corporate director · Nonprofit director · Editor · Author |
Frederik "Frits" Korthals Altes (born May 15, 1931 – died February 19, 2025) was an important Dutch politician and a smart lawyer. He was a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), a major political party in the Netherlands. Later in his life, he received the special honorary title of Minister of State.
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Early Life and Education
Frits Korthals Altes was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He went to the Barlaeus Gymnasium, a school in Amsterdam, from 1937 to 1943. After that, he studied Law at Leiden University starting in 1951. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1953 and his Master of Laws degree in 1957. After finishing his studies, Korthals Altes worked as a lawyer in Rotterdam for many years, from 1957 until 1982. He passed away on February 19, 2025, at the age of 93.
Frits Korthals Altes's Political Journey
Frits Korthals Altes had a long and active career in Dutch politics. He held many important positions, helping to shape the country's laws and government.
Starting in Politics: Party Chairman and Senator
Korthals Altes began his political journey as the Chairman of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). He led the party from 1975 to 1981. This role meant he was in charge of the party's direction and activities.
In 1981, he was elected to the Senate, which is one of the two parts of the Dutch parliament. He started this role on June 10, 1981. As a Senator, he helped review and approve new laws.
Becoming a Minister: Justice and Interior Roles
After the 1982 general election, Korthals Altes was chosen to be the Minister of Justice. He took office on November 4, 1982, as part of the first Lubbers government. As Minister of Justice, he was responsible for the country's legal system and law enforcement.
During his time as Minister of Justice, he also temporarily served as the Minister of the Interior twice. This happened when the regular Minister was unable to work. He was acting Minister of the Interior from February 20 to March 12, 1986, and again from January 26 to February 3, 1987. The Minister of the Interior is in charge of public administration and security within the country.
He continued as Minister of Justice in the second Lubbers government, which started in July 1986.
Back to Parliament: House of Representatives and Senate Leadership
In 1989, Korthals Altes was elected to the House of Representatives, the other part of the Dutch parliament. He started this role on September 14, 1989. Even though the government changed in November 1989, he continued to serve in the House of Representatives.
In 1991, he decided to return to the Senate. He was elected again and left the House of Representatives to become a Senator on June 11, 1991. In the Senate, he was a leading member and chaired several important committees. He also became involved in many important organizations outside of government, like companies and foundations.
From June 1995, he became the leader of the VVD party in the Senate. This meant he was the main spokesperson for his party in that part of parliament.
In 1997, he was chosen to be the President of the Senate. This is a very important role, like being the speaker of the Senate. He took office on March 11, 1997.
Later Years and Special Roles
In September 2001, Korthals Altes announced he would retire from national politics. He left his roles as President of the Senate and Senator on October 2, 2001.
After his retirement, he was given the special title of Minister of State. This is an honorary title given to politicians who have served the country with great distinction. In 1997, his party, the VVD, also made him an honorary member.
In 2003, he played an important role in forming a new government. He was asked to be an "informateur," which means he helped different political parties talk to each other to try and form a new government.
In 2007, Korthals Altes led a special group that studied how elections were held in the Netherlands. His group suggested that the government should stop using electronic voting machines because they didn't leave a paper record of votes.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Frits Korthals Altes received many awards and honors throughout his life, both from the Netherlands and from other countries, recognizing his important contributions.
Appointments
Netherlands: Minister of State with the title of Excellency (October 26, 2001)
National Awards
Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau (November 20, 1989)
Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau (May 13, 1981)
Foreign Awards
Belgium: Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (July 6, 1986)
France:
- Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (February 28, 2000)
- Grand Officer of the Order of Legion of Honour (February 6, 1984)
Germany: Grand Cross 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (May 30, 1985)
Japan: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure (May 12, 2000)
Luxembourg: Grand Cross of the Order of the Oak Crown (November 15, 1983)
Portugal: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit (October 2, 1989)
Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (December 1, 1998)
Other Memberships
- Netherlands: Honorary Member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (May 23, 1997)
