Willy Claes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willy Claes
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Claes in 2008
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| 8th Secretary General of NATO | |
| In office 17 October 1994 – 20 October 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Manfred Wörner Sergio Balanzino (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Sergio Balanzino (acting) Javier Solana |
| President of the Party of European Socialists | |
| In office November 1992 – October 1994 |
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| Preceded by | Guy Spitaels |
| Succeeded by | Rudolf Scharping |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 7 March 1992 – 10 October 1994 |
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| Prime Minister | Jean-Luc Dehaene |
| Preceded by | Mark Eyskens |
| Succeeded by | Frank Vandenbroucke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 November 1938 Hasselt, Belgium |
| Political party | Different Socialist Party |
| Spouse | Suzanne Meynen |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
Willy Claes (born 24 November 1938) is a Belgian politician. He served as the eighth leader of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) from 1994 to 1995. NATO is a group of countries that work together for peace and safety.
Willy Claes was born in Hasselt, Belgium. He studied political science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). He was a member of the Flemish Socialist Party. He left his role at NATO early due to questions about a past business deal.
Willy Claes's Political Journey
Willy Claes started his career in local government. He was part of the Hasselt city council. In 1968, he was chosen to be a member of the national parliament. This meant he helped make laws for the whole country.
In 1972, he became a minister for the first time. He was the Minister of Education. Later, he served as the Minister of Economic Affairs three times. This role meant he helped manage Belgium's economy. He was also a Deputy Prime Minister five times. He played an important part in forming new governments in the 1980s.
From 1992 to 1994, Willy Claes was Belgium's Minister of Foreign Affairs. This job involved working with other countries. He then became the Secretary General of NATO in 1994. He left this important international role in 1995.
A Love for Music
Willy Claes is also known for his musical talent. He is a skilled pianist. He has often performed in concerts. Even when he was the leader of NATO, he kept a piano at his home. This allowed him to keep practicing his music.
Special Recognitions
Willy Claes has received several honors for his public service:
- Minister of State
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold II
