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Dries van Agt

Dries van Agt
February 2, 1931
Predecessor:
Joop den Uyl
Prime Minister
1977-1982
Succeeded by
Ruud Lubbers
Prime Minister of the Netherlands

Andreas Antonius Maria "Dries" van Agt (born February 2, 1931) is a Dutch politician, the prime minister of the Netherlands from 1977 until 1982, as a member of the Christian Democratic CDA party.

Dries van Agt was born in 1931 in Geldrop (North Brabant). After receiving his diploma Gymnasium-A from the Augustinianum in Eindhoven, he studied at the Catholic University of Nijmegen, receiving his Doctorate in 1955. After graduating, he practiced law in Eindhoven until 1957, after which he worked in the office of legal and business affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries until 1962. From 1962 to 1968, he worked for the Ministry of Justice.

From 1968 to 1971, Van Agt was Professor of Criminal Law at the Catholic University of Nijmegen. From July 6, 1971 to May 11, 1973, he was Minister of Justice in the cabinet of Barend Biesheuvel. Following this, he was Minister of Justice and Vice-Minister in the cabinet of Joop den Uyl until December 17, 1977. From December 19, 1977 until November 4, 1982, he was Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs in three successive governments. After the fall of his government, he remained a member of the Tweede Kamer until 1983. He then became the Commissaris van de Koningin (Queen's Commisioner) for the province North Brabant until 1987. From 1987 until 1989, he represented the European Community in Japan. From 1989 until 1995, he represented the European Community in the United States. In 1995-1996, he was Visiting Professor of International Relations at the University of Kyoto.

Van Agt is known for his use of strange and archaic language and his love for cycling.

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