Mark Eyskens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Eyskens
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Eyskens in 1986
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| Prime Minister of Belgium | |
| In office 6 April 1981 – 17 December 1981 |
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| Monarch | Baudouin |
| Deputy | Guy Mathot Willy Claes José Desmarets |
| Preceded by | Wilfried Martens |
| Succeeded by | Wilfried Martens |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 1989–1992 |
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| Prime Minister | Wilfried Martens |
| Preceded by | Leo Tindemans |
| Succeeded by | Willy Claes |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 1985–1988 |
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| Prime Minister | Wilfried Martens |
| Preceded by | Frans Grootjans |
| Succeeded by | Philippe Maystadt |
| In office 1980–1981 |
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| Prime Minister | Wilfried Martens |
| Preceded by | Paul Hatry |
| Succeeded by | Robert Vandeputte |
| Minister of Economic Affairs | |
| In office 1981–1985 |
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| Prime Minister | Wilfried Martens |
| Preceded by | Willy Claes |
| Succeeded by | Philippe Maystadt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 April 1933 Leuven, Belgium |
| Political party | Christian Democratic and Flemish |
| Spouse | Anne Rutsaert |
| Alma mater | Catholic University of Leuven Columbia University |
Mark Eyskens (born 29 April 1933) is a Belgian economist, a university professor, and a politician. He was a member of the Christian People's Party, which is now called Christian Democratic and Flemish. He even served as the prime minister of Belgium for a short time in 1981.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Mark Eyskens was born in Leuven, Belgium, on April 29, 1933. His father, Gaston Eyskens, was also a very important politician.
When Germany invaded Belgium during World War II, Mark and his mother had to flee to France. After Belgium surrendered, they returned to their home in Leuven.
Education and Academic Career
Mark Eyskens was a very dedicated student. In 1953, he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy. This means he studied big ideas about life and knowledge.
He continued his studies and became a "doctor juris" in 1956. This is a high degree in law. In 1957, he earned a master's degree in economics from Columbia University in the United States. He then got a doctorate in economic sciences in 1962.
After finishing his studies, Eyskens became a professor at the University of Leuven in 1962. He taught there until 1998. From 1971 to 1976, he was even in charge of the university as its chairman. He was also part of a group called the Club of Rome, which thought about global challenges.
Political Journey
Mark Eyskens began his political career in 1962. He started as an advisor to the Minister of Finance, André Dequae. This was his first step into government work.
In 1976, he became a Secretary of State. This role helps a minister with specific tasks, like planning towns or housing. He was first elected to the Belgian Chamber of Representatives in 1977. This means people voted for him to represent them in the Belgian parliament. He was re-elected many times and served in parliament until 2003.
Key Government Roles
Eyskens held many important jobs in the Belgian government:
- He was Secretary of State for the budget and Flemish affairs from 1977 to 1979.
- He served as Minister of Development Aid from 1979 to 1980. This role focuses on helping other countries.
- He was the Minister of Finance from 1980 to 1981. The Minister of Finance manages the country's money.
Becoming Prime Minister
On April 6, 1981, Mark Eyskens became the 45th Prime Minister of Belgium. This is the highest political position in the country. It was special because his father had also been Prime Minister many times.
However, his government did not last long. It ended on December 17, 1981. The government collapsed because of disagreements about how to pay for the steel industry in Wallonia.
After Being Prime Minister
Even after his time as Prime Minister, Eyskens continued to serve in important roles:
- He was Minister for Economical Affairs from 1981 to 1985. This role deals with the country's economy.
- He became Minister of Finance again from 1985 to 1988.
- From 1989 to 1992, he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. This job involves dealing with other countries and representing Belgium on the world stage. This was his last government job.
After 1992, he continued to serve as a member of parliament until he retired from politics in 2003.
Later Life and Activities
In 1998, Mark Eyskens was given the special title of Minister of State. This is an honorary title given to important politicians.
In 2006, he was elected to the provincial council of Flemish Brabant. He served there for a few years before stepping down in 2009.
Today, Mark Eyskens is still involved in important groups. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Global Panel Foundation and the Itinera Institute, which is a "think-tank" that studies important issues. He is also the Honorary President of the Olivaint Conference of Belgium.
See also
In Spanish: Mark Eyskens para niños
