Arie Pais

Arie Pais
Born	Template:Birth date
Died	June 25, 2022(2022-06-25) (aged 92)
Occupation(s)	Economist, politician
Known for	Minister of Education and Sciences (1977–1981)

Aäron "Arie" Pais (16 April 1930 – 25 June 2022) was a Dutch economist and politician associated with the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).

Early life and education

Of Jewish descent, Pais attended the Jewish Lyceum in Amsterdam until World War II compelled his family to go into hiding in Barneveld, where they survived the Holocaust. Following the war, he completed his secondary studies at the Vossius Gymnasium in Amsterdam between 1945 and 1948. He pursued social economics at the University of Amsterdam, obtaining a doctorandus degree in 1954. Pais remained involved in academic research at the university and earned his doctorate in economic sciences in 1973.

Career

From July 1958 until April 1974, Pais was employed as a financial analyst at KPN. He held a seat on the Municipal Council of Amsterdam from 1958 to 1961 and briefly served on the Provincial-Council of North Holland in 1970. Between April 1974 and December 1977, he was appointed professor of Public economics at the University of Amsterdam.

In 1977, Pais was elected to the Senate, where he became a prominent member and spokesperson for the Finance portfolio. Following the 1977 general election, he was named Minister of Education and Sciences within the Cabinet Van Agt-Wiegel, holding office from December 1977 to September 1981. He opted not to participate in the 1981 general election but resumed his Senate role that same year, chairing the parliamentary committee on Finances and continuing as spokesperson.

Personal life

Pais was married to fellow Dutch politician and diplomat Eegje Schoo from 1970 until his passing. He died in 2022 at the age of 92.

Honours

Honours
Ribbon bar	Honour	Country	Date	Comment
	Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion	Netherlands	26 October 1981
	Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau	Netherlands	1 September 1988