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His Excellency
Ruud Lubbers
Ruud Lubbers 1985.jpg
Lubbers in 1985
Prime Minister of the Netherlands
In office
4 November 1982 – 22 August 1994
Monarch Beatrix
Deputy Gijs van Aardenne (1982–1986)
Rudolf de Korte (1986–1989)
Wim Kok (1989–1994)
Preceded by Dries van Agt
Succeeded by Wim Kok
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
In office
1 January 2001 – 20 February 2005
Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Preceded by Sadako Ogata
Succeeded by António Guterres
Leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal
In office
25 October 1982 – 29 January 1994
Preceded by Dries van Agt
Succeeded by Elco Brinkman
Parliamentary leader in the House of Representatives
In office
14 September 1989 – 7 November 1989
Preceded by Bert de Vries
Succeeded by Elco Brinkman
In office
3 June 1986 – 14 July 1986
Preceded by Bert de Vries
Succeeded by Bert de Vries
In office
24 Augustus 1981 – 4 November 1982
Preceded by Dries van Agt
Succeeded by Bert de Vries
In office
7 November 1978 – 10 June 1981
Preceded by Willem Aantjes
Succeeded by Dries van Agt
Member of the House of Representatives
In office
14 September 1989 – 7 November 1989
In office
3 June 1986 – 14 July 1986
In office
22 December 1977 – 4 November 1982
In office
8 June 1977 – 8 September 1977
Minister of Economic Affairs
In office
11 May 1973 – 19 December 1977
Prime Minister Joop den Uyl
Preceded by Harrie Langman
Succeeded by Gijs van Aardenne
Personal details
Born
Rudolphus Franciscus Marie Lubbers

(1939-05-07)7 May 1939
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Died 14 February 2018(2018-02-14) (aged 78)
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Political party Christian Democratic Appeal (from 1980)
Other political
affiliations		 Catholic People's Party (1964–1980)
Spouse
Ria Hoogeweegen
​
(m. 1962)​
Children 3
Alma mater Rotterdam School of Economics (BEc, M.Econ)
Occupation Activist · businessperson · conservationist · corporate executive · diplomat · economist · nonprofit executive · lobbyist · politician · professor
Signature
Military service
Allegiance  Netherlands
Branch/service  Royal Netherlands Air Force
Years of service 1962–1963 (Conscription)
1963–1969 (Reserve)
Rank Nl-luchtmacht-tweede luitenant.svg Second lieutenant
Battles/wars Cold War

Rudolphus Franciscus Marie "Ruud" Lubbers (born 7 May 1939 – died 14 February 2018) was an important Dutch politician, diplomat, and businessman. He served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands for a long time, from 1982 to 1994. Later, he became the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2001 to 2005. He was a member of the Catholic People's Party (KVP), which later joined with other groups to form the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party.

Ruud Lubbers studied Economics at the Erasmus School of Economics. After his studies, he worked as a director for a manufacturing company called Hollandia in Rotterdam. He also worked for a Christian Employers' Association. In 1973, he became the Minister of Economic Affairs in the Dutch government. He was later elected as a Member of the House of Representatives.

Ruud Lubbers: A Dutch Leader

Becoming Prime Minister

After the 1982 election, the Prime Minister at the time, Dries van Agt, decided to step down. Ruud Lubbers was chosen to take his place as the leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal party and the next Prime Minister. He became Prime Minister on 4 November 1982. At 43 years old, he was the youngest Prime Minister in Dutch history.

Lubbers led the Netherlands through three different governments. During his time as Prime Minister, his governments made big changes. They worked to reduce government spending and encouraged more private businesses. They also helped the economy recover from a difficult period in the 1980s. One big event during his time was a large protest in The Hague in 1983. People were protesting against plans to place nuclear missiles in the Netherlands. These plans were later cancelled.

In 1993, Lubbers announced he would not seek another term as Prime Minister. He left office on 22 August 1994. He was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Dutch history until 2022. Many people consider him one of the best Prime Ministers after World War II.

Working for the United Nations

After leaving his role as Prime Minister, Lubbers continued to be active in public life. He became a visiting professor at universities like Tilburg University and Harvard University. In 2000, he was chosen by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to lead the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

From 2001 to 2005, Lubbers was in charge of the UNHCR. This organization helps millions of refugees and displaced people around the world. During his time, the number of refugees globally actually decreased. He also helped improve the financial situation of the UNHCR. He believed in a kind approach to helping refugees.

Environmental and Academic Work

Ruud Lubbers was also very interested in environmental issues. After a big meeting called the Earth Summit in 1992, he worked with Mikhail Gorbachev on the Earth Charter Initiative. This project created a document about building a sustainable and peaceful world. Lubbers actively promoted the Earth Charter, especially to young people.

He also taught about globalization at universities. He was involved in groups that studied global issues and development.

Personal Life

Ruud Lubbers married Ria Hoogeweegen on 10 October 1962. They had three children: two sons named Paul and Bart, and a daughter named Heleen.

Ruud Lubbers passed away in Rotterdam on 14 February 2018, at the age of 78. Many world leaders and former Prime Ministers attended his funeral to honor his life and work.

Honors and Awards

Ruud Lubbers received many honors and awards for his service.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ruud Lubbers para niños

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