Gerrit Braks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gerrit Braks
Gerrit Braks in 1984
Mayor of Eindhoven
In office 1 September 2007 – 7 April 2008 Ad interim
Preceded by	Alexander Sakkers
Succeeded by	Rob van Gijzel
President of the Senate
In office 2 October 2001 – 10 June 2003
Preceded by	Frits Korthals Altes
Succeeded by	Yvonne Timmerman-Buck
Parliamentary leader in the Senate
In office 8 June 1999 – 2 October 2001
Preceded by	Luck van Leeuwen
Succeeded by	Yvonne Timmerman-Buck
Parliamentary group	Christian Democratic Appeal
Member of the Senate
In office 11 June 1991 – 10 June 2003
Parliamentary group	Christian Democratic Appeal
Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Fisheries
In office 7 November 1989 – 18 September 1990
Prime Minister	Ruud Lubbers
Preceded by	Himself as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
Succeeded by	Bert de Vries (Ad interim)
Minister of Education and Sciences
In office 14 September 1989 – 7 November 1989 Ad interim
Prime Minister	Ruud Lubbers
Preceded by	Wim Deetman
Succeeded by	Jo Ritzen
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
In office 4 November 1982 – 7 November 1989
Prime Minister	Ruud Lubbers
Preceded by	Jan de Koning
Succeeded by	Himself as Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Fisheries
In office 5 March 1980 – 11 September 1981
Prime Minister	Dries van Agt
Preceded by	Fons van der Stee
Succeeded by	Jan de Koning
Member of the House of Representatives
In office 14 September 1989 – 7 November 1989
In office 3 June 1986 – 14 July 1986
In office 15 September 1981 – 4 November 1982
In office 10 June 1981 – 9 September 1981
In office 8 June 1977 – 5 March 1980
Parliamentary group	Christian Democratic Appeal (1980–1989) Catholic People's Party (1977–1980)
Personal details
Born	Gerardus Johannes Maria Braks (1933-05-23)23 May 1933 Uden, Netherlands
Died	12 July 2017(2017-07-12) (aged 84) Sint-Michielsgestel, Netherlands
Political party	Christian Democratic Appeal (from 1980)
Other political affiliations	Catholic People's Party (1975–1980)
Spouse	Francisca Antonia Maria Bardoel ​ ​ (m. 1965; her death 2000)​
Children	5 children
Alma mater	Wageningen University (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Master of Science in Engineering)
Occupation	Politician · Civil servant · Agronomist · Civil engineer · Corporate director · Nonprofit director · Media administrator

Gerardus Johannes Maria "Gerrit" Braks (born May 23, 1933 – died July 12, 2017) was an important Dutch politician and an expert in farming (an agronomist). He was a member of the Catholic People's Party (KVP) and later the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party.

Early Life and Education

Gerrit Braks studied at Wageningen Agricultural College. He earned degrees in Agronomy and Engineering. After finishing his studies in 1965, he worked as an agronomist and engineer in Eindhoven.

From 1970 to 1977, he worked as a civil servant for the European Commission. His job was to help with agriculture and rural development across Europe.

Political Career

Gerrit Braks began his political career in the House of Representatives. He was first elected in 1977. This is where laws are made in the Netherlands.

Minister of Agriculture

In 1980, Braks became the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. This job meant he was in charge of farming and fishing policies for the country. He held this position in different governments for many years.

He was reappointed Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1982. He continued this important work until 1989. During this time, he worked under Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers.

Minister of Education (Interim)

For a short period in 1989, Braks also served as the acting Minister of Education and Sciences. This meant he temporarily oversaw schools and scientific research.

Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Fisheries

In November 1989, his role as Minister of Agriculture changed slightly. His title became Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Fisheries. This showed a new focus on protecting nature alongside farming.

He resigned from this position in September 1990. This happened after some political disagreements within the government.

Member of the Senate

After leaving the House of Representatives, Braks continued his political work in the Senate. He became a Senator in 1991. The Senate reviews laws passed by the House of Representatives.

In 1999, he became the leader of his party, the Christian Democratic Appeal, in the Senate. This was a very important role.

President of the Senate

In 2001, Gerrit Braks was chosen to be the President of the Senate. This is a very high and respected position in Dutch politics. He led the Senate's meetings and represented the body.

He announced his retirement from national politics in 2003. He finished his term as President of the Senate in June 2003.

Later Career and Activities

Even after retiring from national politics, Braks remained active. He served on many boards for companies and non-profit organizations. These included banks, food companies, and nature conservation groups.

He also worked as a media administrator for the Catholic Radio Broadcasting (KRO). He was the Chairman of their Supervisory board for several years.

Mayor of Eindhoven (Interim)

In 2007, Braks took on another important role. He was appointed as the interim (temporary) Mayor of Eindhoven. He served in this role until April 2008.

Gerrit Braks was known for being a skilled debater. He was also known as a "policy wonk," meaning he was very knowledgeable about government policies. He continued to share his thoughts on political matters until he passed away at age 84.

Honours and Awards

Gerrit Braks received many honours for his long service. He was recognized by the Netherlands and other countries.

• He was made a Commander in the Order of the Netherlands Lion.
• He was also a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
• He received the Jacoba van Beierenprijs in 1990.
• He was given an honorary badge from Wageningen University and Research Centre in 1993.
• He became an honorary citizen of the Dutch province of North Brabant.
• The King of Spain made him a Knight Grand Cross in the Order of Isabella the Catholic.

Decorations

Honours
Ribbon bar	Honour	Country	Date	Comment
	Commander of the Order of Agricultural Merit	France	10 December 1986
	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic	Spain	17 September 1987
	Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour	France	20 November 1988
	Commander of the Order of the Netherlands Lion	Netherlands	1 May 1991	Elevated from Knight (26 October 1981)
	Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold II	Belgium	15 June 1992
	Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau	Netherlands	10 June 2003	Elevated from Knight (30 April 1996)