Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Dutch lawyer and politician, Dutch Minister of Defence

Jeanine Antoinette Hennis-Plasschaert, born on April 7, 1973, has carved out a distinguished career in both Dutch national politics and international diplomacy. A prominent figure within the liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) in the Netherlands, she currently holds the significant international post as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), a role she commenced on November 1, 2018. This appointment places her at the heart of global efforts to support stability and reconstruction in Iraq.

Early Career and European Parliament

Hennis-Plasschaert began her professional life as a civil servant, gaining foundational experience in public administration. Her initial foray into elective politics saw her elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Representing the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) group, she took her seat in the European Parliament on July 20, 2004, following the 2004 European Parliament election. Her dedication and effectiveness led to her re-election after the 2009 European Parliament election, where she continued to contribute to European policymaking in Brussels and Strasbourg. This period allowed her to develop a broad understanding of international political dynamics and legislative processes before transitioning to national politics.

Transition to Dutch National Politics and Ministerial Role

A new chapter in her career began when Hennis-Plasschaert was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, following the general election of 2010. She officially took office on June 17, 2010, marking her departure from the European Parliament on the very same day. Her progression in national politics was swift and impactful. After the 2012 general election and the subsequent formation of the Second Rutte cabinet, she was appointed as the Minister of Defence. Taking up this challenging portfolio on November 5, 2012, she simultaneously resigned from her parliamentary seat. This appointment was particularly historic, as Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert became the first woman to ever hold the prestigious and demanding position of Minister of Defence in the Netherlands. She served in this critical role, overseeing the Dutch armed forces and navigating complex security landscapes, until her resignation on October 4, 2017.

Return to Parliament and International Appointment

Following her tenure as Minister of Defence, Hennis-Plasschaert briefly returned to the Dutch political arena, once again serving as a member of the House of Representatives. She was elected after the 2017 general election, holding her seat from March 23, 2017, until September 13, 2018. This experience further solidified her understanding of national legislative processes and political discourse. Ultimately, her extensive background in both domestic and international governance, combined with her proven leadership, culminated in her appointment to her current high-profile role with the United Nations, a testament to her versatile and impactful career dedicated to public service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert?

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert is a prominent Dutch politician and diplomat known for her extensive career in both the European Parliament and Dutch national government, currently serving as a high-ranking UN official.

What is her current role?

She is the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), a position she has held since November 1, 2018.

Which political party is she affiliated with?

She is a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), a liberal political party in the Netherlands.

Did she serve in the European Parliament?

Yes, she served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from July 20, 2004, until June 17, 2010, representing the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) group.

What significant ministerial position did she hold in the Netherlands?

She served as the Minister of Defence from November 5, 2012, until October 4, 2017. Notably, she was the first woman to ever hold this position in the Netherlands.

When did she begin her role with the United Nations?

She commenced her duties as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for UNAMI on November 1, 2018.