Leo de Block
Leo de Block | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Netherlands |
| Died | January 4, 1988 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman |
| Years active | 1923–1970 (politics and business) |
| Known for | Dutch statesman, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Transport and Water Management |
Leo de Block (14 August 1904 – 4 January 1988) was a Dutch statesman affiliated with the former Catholic People's Party (KVP), which later merged into the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), as well as an accomplished businessman.
De Block pursued legal studies at Leiden University, obtaining his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1925 followed by a Master of Laws in 1929. His professional journey commenced as a financial analyst at Amsterdamsche Bank from 1923 to 1928 and subsequently at Incasso Bank until 1945, where he was appointed CEO from 1946 to 1947. He then joined the Ministry of Finance, serving from 1947 to 1959 in various capacities, including Director-General of Budgetary Affairs and Deputy Secretary-General. Between 1959 and 1960, he held the position of Director-General for General Economic Policy within the Ministry of Economic Affairs before transitioning to Chief Financial Officer at KLM in 1960.
After the 1963 elections, De Block was named State Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the Cabinet Marijnen, beginning his term in September 1963. He retained this position through successive governments, including Cabinets Cals and Zijlstra, following the fall of Cabinet Marijnen in 1965. In addition, from November 1966 onward, he undertook responsibilities as State Secretary for Transport and Water Management. He declared his intention not to participate in the 1967 electoral process.
In April 1967, De Block assumed the office of Minister of Economic Affairs within the Cabinet De Jong. His tenure concluded in January 1970 due to conflicts over wage policies affecting the metal sector and critiques concerning his handling of inflation subsequent to the implementation of value-added tax (BTW).
Upon departing from national political roles, De Block engaged with both private enterprises and public organizations, occupying board memberships at prominent firms such as DSM, ING Group, Robeco, and Van Lanschot. Moreover, he contributed to several government advisory entities, including the Cadastre Agency, Dutch Transport Safety Board, and the Advisory Council for Foreign Affairs.
Decorations
| Awards | ||||
| Ribbon bar | Title | Nation | Date awarded | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commander of the Order of the Netherlands Lion | Netherlands | 6 February 1970 | ||
| Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Netherlands | 30 April 1984 | ||
External links
- Official
- Mr. L. (Leo) de Block Parlement & Politiek