Births on February 12

Ad Melkert, Dutch lawyer and politician, Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment

Ad Melkert: A Distinguished Career in Dutch Politics and International Diplomacy

Adrianus Petrus Wilhelmus "Ad" Melkert, born on 12 February 1956, is a prominent Dutch politician and diplomat affiliated with the Labour Party (PvdA). Known for his extensive career spanning national government, international organizations, and key advisory roles, Melkert currently serves as a Member of the Council of State, a prestigious appointment he has held since 20 January 2016. His journey reflects a deep commitment to public service, both within the Netherlands and on the global stage.

Educational Foundations and Early Advocacy

Melkert's impactful career is rooted in a strong academic background. He pursued Political Science at the renowned University of Amsterdam, one of the leading research universities in Europe, where he successfully obtained a Master of Social Science degree. This foundational education in political theory and governance provided him with a critical analytical framework that would prove invaluable throughout his diverse professional life.

Following his academic pursuits, Melkert immediately immersed himself in advocacy and non-profit work, laying the groundwork for his future political and diplomatic engagements:

• From July 1981 to March 1984, he served as a political activist for the youth branch of the European Community in Brussels. This early role provided him with firsthand experience in European policymaking and fostered an understanding of international cooperation, which would later define a significant portion of his career.
• He then transitioned to the non-profit sector, working as a director for the charitable organization Oxfam Novib from March 1984 until June 1986. Oxfam Novib, the Dutch affiliate of the global Oxfam confederation, focuses on poverty alleviation and social justice, further solidifying Melkert's commitment to social causes and humanitarian efforts.

Rise in Dutch National Politics

Melkert's dedication to public service soon led him to the heart of Dutch national politics. Following the general election of 1986, he was elected as a Member of the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer), the lower house of the Dutch parliament. During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he quickly established himself as a diligent frontbencher and a respected spokesperson for crucial portfolios, specifically Development Cooperation and the Environment. These roles underscored his early commitment to global equity and sustainable practices, themes that would remain consistent throughout his career.

Ministerial Leadership: Shaping Social Policy

After the general election of 1994, Ad Melkert was appointed to a significant executive role: Minister of Social Affairs and Employment in the Cabinet Kok I. He officially took office on 22 August 1994. This cabinet, led by Prime Minister Wim Kok, was historic as the first "purple coalition" in Dutch history, comprising the Labour Party (PvdA), the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and Democrats 66 (D66), notably excluding Christian democratic parties for the first time in decades. As Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Melkert was responsible for pivotal policy areas including labor market regulation, social security, unemployment benefits, and workplace conditions, playing a key role in shaping the Netherlands' social fabric during a period of economic and social reform.

Leading the Labour Party (PvdA)

Following the 1998 general election, Melkert returned to the House of Representatives on 19 May 1998. Despite his proven ministerial experience, he declined to serve in the new cabinet, opting instead to take on a crucial leadership role within his party. On 13 July 1998, he was selected as the Parliamentary leader (fractievoorzitter) for the Labour Party, making him the chief spokesperson and strategist for the PvdA in parliament.

A pivotal moment in his career arrived shortly before an upcoming election when the then Party Leader and Prime Minister, Wim Kok, announced his retirement from politics. Ad Melkert subsequently announced his candidacy to succeed Kok as the party leader, a position he secured on 15 December 2001. As the new leader, he automatically became the "Lijsttrekker" (top candidate) for the Labour Party in the approaching general election.

The Pivotal 2002 Election and its Aftermath

The general election of 2002 proved to be a watershed moment in Dutch politics and for Ad Melkert's career. Serving as the Lijsttrekker for the Labour Party, he faced a challenging political landscape marked by the meteoric rise of populist politician Pim Fortuyn and significant societal shifts. The election campaign was tragically overshadowed by the assassination of Fortuyn just days before the vote. In the subsequent election, the Labour Party suffered a substantial defeat, losing a significant number of seats. In response to this outcome, Melkert stepped down as both Party Leader and Parliamentary leader on 16 May 2002. Despite this setback, he continued to serve in the House of Representatives as a backbencher, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to parliamentary duties.

Extensive International Diplomatic Service

Following his departure from Dutch party leadership, Ad Melkert transitioned to a distinguished career in international diplomacy and development, leveraging his experience in governance and social policy on a global scale:

• World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF): In October 2002, Melkert was nominated as an Executive Director for the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. In this crucial role, he represented a constituency of countries, contributing to international financial stability and development initiatives until March 2006.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): From March 2006 until July 2009, he served as an Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The UNDP is the UN's global development network, focusing on poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, and environmental sustainability. Melkert's leadership contributed to the organization's efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals worldwide.
• United Nations Special Representative for Iraq: His most challenging international assignment came in July 2009, when he was appointed as the Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). In this high-profile and demanding role, Melkert was responsible for coordinating the UN's humanitarian, development, and political efforts in post-conflict Iraq, working to stabilize the country and support its political transition. He served in this capacity until his resignation in October 2011.

Continued Public Service and Sectoral Leadership

Even after his extensive international career, Ad Melkert continued to be actively involved in public service and various leadership roles within the Netherlands. In December 2015, he was nominated for a significant national appointment: a Member of the Council of State (Raad van State). He officially took office on 20 January 2016.

The Council of State is a high advisory body to the Dutch government and the highest administrative court in the Netherlands, providing crucial legal advice on legislation and ruling on disputes between citizens and the government. His appointment reflects his vast experience and respected legal and political acumen.

Beyond this advisory role, Melkert has maintained a broad portfolio of activities:

• He has been active in both the private and public sectors, serving as a corporate and non-profit director.
• He has contributed his expertise to several state commissions and councils on behalf of the Dutch government, addressing various policy issues.
• Since December 2018, he has served as Chairman of the Dutch Hospitals Association (NVZ), a vital trade association representing hospitals in the Netherlands, playing a key role in healthcare policy and management.
• In April 2019, he became a Member of the Social and Economic Council (SER) for the Industry and Employers Confederation (VNO-NCW). The SER is the main advisory body to the Dutch government on social and economic policy, and VNO-NCW is the largest employers' organization in the Netherlands, making this a highly influential position in shaping the country's economic and labor landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ad Melkert

What is the Council of State and what is Ad Melkert's role within it?

The Council of State (Raad van State) is the highest administrative court and the primary advisory body to the Dutch government and parliament on legislation. Ad Melkert serves as a Member of the Council, contributing his extensive legal and political experience to review proposed laws and provide independent advice, as well as adjudicate administrative disputes.

What is a 'Lijsttrekker' in Dutch politics?

In Dutch politics, the 'Lijsttrekker' is the top candidate of a political party during a general election. This individual is typically the party leader and the most prominent figure campaigned by the party, serving as the de facto candidate for Prime Minister if their party forms the government or leads a coalition.

What was the significance of the 2002 election for Ad Melkert's career?

The 2002 general election was a defining moment for Ad Melkert. As the Lijsttrekker for the Labour Party (PvdA), he led the party during a tumultuous period marked by the rise of populism. The election resulted in a significant defeat for the PvdA, leading to Melkert's resignation as party leader and parliamentary leader. While a setback in his national political leadership, it ultimately paved the way for his distinguished career in international diplomacy with organizations like the World Bank, UNDP, and the United Nations in Iraq.