Els Borst, Dutch physician and politician, Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands (d. 2014)

The Enduring Legacy of Else Borst-Eilers: Physician, Politician, Stateswoman

Else "Els" Borst-Eilers (22 March 1932 – 8 February 2014) was a remarkable Dutch figure, seamlessly transitioning from a distinguished medical career to becoming a prominent politician for the Democrats 66 (D66) party. Known for her integrity and sharp intellect, she was an influential Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport and later, a Deputy Prime Minister. Her profound contributions to public health and policy were recognized with the honorary title of Minister of State on 21 December 2012.

From Clinic to Cabinet: A Life in Service

Borst-Eilers dedicated her early professional life to medicine and research. From 1958 to 1962, she honed her skills as a medical researcher at the Academic Medical Center. She then served as a practicing physician from 1962 until 1976. Demonstrating her leadership capabilities even then, Borst simultaneously held the directorship of the blood bank at the University Medical Center Utrecht from 1969 to 1976. Her administrative prowess was further utilized when she became the University Medical Center Utrecht hospital administrator, a role she held for nearly a decade, from 1976 to 1985.

Before fully immersing herself in electoral politics, Borst-Eilers also played a crucial advisory role, serving as the Vice Chairwoman of the influential Health Council from 1986 to 1994. During this period, from 1992 to 1994, she also contributed to academia as a professor of medical ethics at the prestigious University of Amsterdam, further solidifying her expertise in health-related policy and ethical considerations.

A Pioneering Political Career: Minister and Party Leader

Else Borst-Eilers's political journey truly began after the 1994 general election, when she was appointed as the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport in the first "Purple Coalition" cabinet, known as Cabinet Kok I. This groundbreaking coalition, which brought together the social-democratic Labour Party (PvdA), the liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and her own progressive Democrats 66 (D66), marked a significant moment in Dutch political history.

As the 1998 election approached, Borst-Eilers found herself thrust into an even more prominent position. When Hans van Mierlo, the charismatic Leader of the Democrats 66, announced his resignation, he personally endorsed Borst as his successor. Following Van Mierlo's departure in February 1998, Borst-Eilers was chosen to lead the party, becoming both the Leader of the Democrats 66 and their *Lijsttrekker* (top candidate) for the upcoming election. It was a challenging period, as D66 faced a significant setback at the polls, losing 10 seats and reducing their representation to 14 in the House of Representatives. Despite this, Borst was elected as a Member of the House and briefly served as the Parliamentary leader of D66. However, her time at the party's helm was short, as she stepped down in favor of Thom de Graaf just weeks later, on 30 May 1998.

Deputy Prime Minister and Retirement from National Politics

Despite the electoral challenges for D66, the subsequent cabinet formation led to a continuation of the "Purple Coalition" in Cabinet Kok II. This time, Borst-Eilers not only continued her vital role as Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport but also assumed the demanding position of Deputy Prime Minister, taking office on 3 August 1998. She navigated these significant responsibilities with her characteristic composure and expertise, contributing to key policy developments during her tenure. In 2001, Borst-Eilers, having served with distinction for two full cabinet terms, announced her decision to retire from national politics and would not stand in the 2002 election.

A Stateswoman's Continued Service and Tragic End

Even after stepping down from active politics, Else Borst-Eilers remained a dedicated public servant. She occupied numerous positions as a nonprofit director on supervisory boards for various non-governmental organizations. Her enduring commitment to health was evident through her involvement with the Dutch Cancer Society, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Helen Dowling Institute, Institute for Health Services Research, the National Committee for 4 and 5 May, and the Brain Foundation, consistently advocating for cancer research and broader health initiatives. She continued to be a respected voice, offering insights on political affairs as a revered stateswoman until her untimely death on 8 February 2014. Her life, marked by exceptional public service, came to a tragic end when she was murdered by a mentally unstable man in her own home, an event that deeply shocked the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Else Borst-Eilers

Who was Else Borst-Eilers?

Else Borst-Eilers was a highly respected Dutch politician and physician. She served as a Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport and later as Deputy Prime Minister, known for her expertise and integrity.

What political party did she belong to?

She was a prominent member of the Democrats 66 (D66) party, a progressive liberal party in the Netherlands.

What were her primary ministerial roles?

Else Borst-Eilers served as the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport in both Cabinet Kok I (1994-1998) and Cabinet Kok II (1998-2002). During her time in Cabinet Kok II, she also held the position of Deputy Prime Minister.

What was her background before entering politics?

Before her political career, Borst-Eilers had a distinguished career in medicine. She worked as a medical researcher, a practicing physician, director of a blood bank, and a hospital administrator. She also served as a professor of medical ethics.

Did she ever lead her political party?

Yes, Else Borst-Eilers briefly served as the Leader of the Democrats 66 and the *Lijsttrekker* (top candidate) for the 1998 general election.

When was she granted the honorary title of Minister of State?

She was granted the honorary title of Minister of State on 21 December 2012, recognizing her lifelong contributions to Dutch society and politics.

How did Else Borst-Eilers die?

Else Borst-Eilers died tragically on 8 February 2014, when she was murdered in her home by a mentally unstable man, an event that deeply saddened the Netherlands.