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 a Dutch politician and a legal expert. He was a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). In 2001, he received the special honorary title of Minister of State.
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Early Life and Education
Frits Korthals Altes grew up in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He went to the Barlaeus Gymnasium school from 1937 to 1943. After that, he studied Law at Leiden University. He earned his first law degree in 1953 and a higher law degree in 1957. After finishing his studies, he worked as a Lawyer in Rotterdam for many years, starting in 1957.
Korthals Altes passed away on February 19, 2025, when he was 93 years old.
Political Journey
Frits Korthals Altes had a long and important career in Dutch politics. He was known for his roles in the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
Leading the VVD Party
From 1975 to 1981, Korthals Altes was the Chairman of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. This meant he was in charge of the party's daily activities and strategies.
Serving in the Senate
In 1981, Korthals Altes was elected to the Senate, which is part of the Dutch parliament. He started this role on June 10, 1981. The Senate checks new laws and discusses important issues. He returned to the Senate in 1991 and became the leader of his party's group there in 1995.
Minister of Justice
After the 1982 election, Korthals Altes became the Minister of Justice. He held this important position from November 4, 1982, until November 7, 1989. As Minister of Justice, he was responsible for the country's legal system and law enforcement.
Acting Minister of the Interior
During his time as Minister of Justice, he also temporarily served as the Minister of the Interior twice. This happened in 1986 and 1987 when the regular minister was unavailable.
Member of the House of Representatives
In 1989, Korthals Altes was elected to the House of Representatives, another part of the Dutch parliament. He served there until 1991.
President of the Senate
One of his highest roles was becoming the President of the Senate on March 11, 1997. As President, he led the meetings of the Senate and represented it. He retired from politics on October 2, 2001.
Later Contributions
After leaving the Senate, Korthals Altes was given the honorary title of Minister of State. This is a special title given to politicians who have served the country with great distinction. In 2003, he also helped in forming a new government as an "informateur," which means he explored options for which parties could work together. In 2007, he led a group that looked into how elections were run in the Netherlands. His group suggested that electronic voting machines should not be used because they did not leave a paper record.
Awards and Recognitions
Frits Korthals Altes received several important awards and honors for his service to the Netherlands and his work with other countries.
Dutch Honors
- He was made a Minister of State on October 26, 2001.
- He was honored as a Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 1989.
- Earlier, in 1981, he was made an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
International Honors
He also received awards from several other countries, showing his work in international relations:
- From Belgium: Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (1986)
- From France: Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (2000) and Grand Officer of the Order of Legion of Honour (1984)
- From Germany: Grand Cross 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1985)
- From Japan: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure (2000)
- From Luxembourg: Grand Cross of the Order of the Oak Crown (1983)
- From Portugal: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit (1989)
- From Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (1998)
Other Recognitions
- He was made an Honorary Member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy on May 23, 1997.
