Ferry Hoogendijk

Ferdinand Alexander "Ferry" Hoogendijk
Born	(1933-11-23) 23 November 1933 Gouda, Netherlands
Died	14 February 2014(2014-02-14) (aged 80)
Occupation(s)	Political scientist, journalist, politician, art collector, art dealer
Known for	Editor-in-chief of Elsevier Weekblad; Member of the Dutch House of Representatives for Pim Fortuyn List

Ferdinand Alexander "Ferry" Hoogendijk (23 November 1933 – 14 February 2014) was a Dutch political scientist, journalist, and politician. He held the position of editor-in-chief at Elsevier Weekblad and secured a seat in the Dutch House of Representatives in 2002 as a representative of the Pim Fortuyn List party.

Early life

Hoogendijk was born in Gouda and pursued political science studies at the University of Amsterdam, completing his degree in 1962. He later obtained his doctorate from VU University Amsterdam in 1971, with Norbert Schmelzer and Haya van Someren serving as his paranymphs.

Journalism

Starting his journalistic path in 1960 at the Algemene Vereniging Radio Omroep, Hoogendijk worked as a political commentator until 1981. He rose to prominence at Elsevier, beginning as political editor in 1962, joining the main editorial team by 1966, and eventually becoming editor-in-chief from 1975 through 1985. Nicknamed "Mr. Schnabbel" due to holding various supplementary positions, he covertly authored campaign materials for People's Party for Freedom and Democracy leader Hans Wiegel and simultaneously served as an advisor to Gulf Oil. These undisclosed roles led to his compelled resignation in 1985.

A staunch opponent of the Den Uyl cabinet, Hoogendijk also contributed political commentary on AVRO's television and radio platforms. Following his departure from Elsevier, he established the magazine European Affairs. Subsequently, he shifted his attention from politics to art history by founding Art & Value, which he later sold.

Politics

In the 1950s, Hoogendijk was active within the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, serving on its youth board. During the 1980s, he participated in the party’s Media commission for seven years. In 1982, despite being nominated by Ed Nijpels for the role of State Secretary of Culture, his appointment was blocked by Ruud Lubbers due to perceived criticism, leading Hoogendijk to decline the position.

Hoogendijk joined the Pim Fortuyn List (LPF) in 2002 after offering his assistance via fax and helping recruit candidates. He convinced his neighbor, Herman Heinsbroek, who later became Minister of Economic Affairs, to join—a post Hoogendijk himself had aspired to. Elected to parliament that year, he concentrated on defense and economic issues while advising LPF leader Harry Wijnschenk. His involvement in internal party conflicts contributed to the LPF’s eventual disintegration; he publicly questioned MP Winny de Jong’s suitability for office. After losing his seat in 2003, Hoogendijk withdrew from politics and dedicated himself to art collecting.

During the trial of Fortuyn’s assassin Volkert van der Graaf, Hoogendijk testified, accusing the presiding judge of exhibiting left-wing bias against Fortuyn. Although known for a right-wing orientation throughout much of his life, he conceded in a 2013 interview that capitalism had surpassed reasonable boundaries despite its advantages.

Personal life

After retiring from journalism, Hoogendijk focused on art collection and dealing, founding and managing the arts publication Art & Value. He was married twice and fathered three daughters from his first marriage and one daughter from his second. Over three decades before passing away, during his second marriage, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Hoogendijk received recognition as an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

External links

• Biography at Parlement.com