Frederik "Frits" Bolkestein is a retired Dutch politician and businessman who served as Leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) from 1990 to 1998 and European Commissioner for Internal Market from 1999 until 2004 under Romano Prodi.
Bolkestein studied Mathematics at the Oregon State University getting a Bachelor of Mathematics degree and continued his study at the University of Amsterdam obtaining a Master of Mathematics degree followed by a postgraduate education in Philosophy and Greek literature at his alma mater obtaining Masters of Philosophy and Arts degrees, followed by another postgraduate study in Economics at the London School of Economics obtaining a Master of Economics degree and additional study in Law at the Leiden University obtaining a Master of Laws degree. Bolkestein worked as a corporate director for Royal Dutch Shell from May 1960 until July 1976 and as a manager for an engineering company in Amsterdam from September 1976 until January 1978. Bolkestein became a member of the House of Representatives shortly after election of 1977 taking office on 16 January 1978 serving as a frontbencher and spokesman for Economic Affairs. After the election of 1982 Bolkestein was appointed as State Secretary for Economic Affairs in the Cabinet Lubbers I taking office on 5 November 1982. After the election of 1986 Bolkestein was not offered a cabinet post in the new cabinet and returned to the House of Representatives on 3 June 1986 serving as a frontbencher and spokesman for Foreign Affairs and International trade. Bolkestein was appointed as Minister of Defence in the Cabinet Lubbers II following a cabinet reshuffle taking office on 24 September 1988. After the election of 1989 Bolkestein again returned to the House of Representatives on 14 September 1989. Shortly after the election, party leader and parliamentary leader Joris Voorhoeve announced he was stepping down and Bolkestein announced his candidacy to succeed and was selected as his successor on 30 April 1990.
For the election of 1994 Bolkestein served as lijsttrekker (top candidate) and following a successful cabinet formation with Labour Leader Wim Kok and fellow Liberal Leader Hans van Mierlo formed the Cabinet Kok I with Bolkestein opting to remain as Parliamentary leader. Bolkestein also served as President of the Liberal International from 15 April 1996 until 18 April 2000. For the election of 1998 Bolkestein again served as lijsttrekker (top candidate) but shortly thereafter announced that he was stepping down on 30 July 1998 but continued to serve in the House of Representatives as a backbencher. In August 1999 Bolkestein was nominated as the next European Commissioner in the Prodi Commission, and was giving the heavy portfolios of Internal Market and Services and Taxation and Customs serving from 16 September 1999 until 22 November 2004.
Bolkestein retired from active politics at 71 and became active in the public sector as a non-profit director, and worked as a distinguished professor of International relations and Governmental Studies at his alma mater of Leiden and the Delft University of Technology from November 2004 until November 2010. Following his retirement Bolkestein continued to be active as a advocate and lobbyist for more European integration and strengthening Transatlantic relations. Bolkestein is known for his abilities as a skillful debater and accomplished negotiator and as of 2022 continues to comment on political affairs as a statesman.
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Some of their strengths
Frits Bolkestein has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Energetic, Intelligent, Honest, Adventurous, Generous, Imaginative, and Creative.
Independent and Brave
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Frits Bolkestein is someone who is an independent, brave, and honest person who approaches life with energy, intuition, passion, and generosity. A person who defines themself by their friends and what groups they belong to.
Adaptable and Versatile
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Frits Bolkestein well know them as someone who can be adaptable, flexible, and polite, like a flower or a sapling.
Inventive and Clever
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Frits Bolkestein as someone who is flexible, intelligent, and quick-witted.
A person who likes to be creative, and to be recognized for their artistic talents. Who possesses intelligence, mental discipline, and ambition, and who does well in relationships and partnerships.
Dynamic and Imaginative
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Frits Bolkestein is someone who can bring a purifying element to situations, and who is a risk-taker with vision and imagination.
They are also someone who is patient, assertive, and who is a natural leader that likes to help others in need.
Independent and Dynamic
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Frits Bolkestein tends to be someone who is independent, dynamic, and courageous. Who can be positive, energetic, self-reliant, and adventurous, and who can make friends easily.
Some of Frits Bolkestein's challenges
While Frits Bolkestein has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Frits Bolkestein can be Self-centered, Short-tempered, Impulsive, Careless, Hypocritical, Unfocused, and Indecisive.
Short-tempered and Impulsive
One of Frits Bolkestein's key challenges is that they are someone who can come across as short-tempered and impulsive.
Frits Bolkestein must also exercise caution as they can be short-tempered and aggressive, and can be excessive and unrealistic.
Unfocused and Indecisive
Frits Bolkestein is someone who can be scattered, restless, and insensitive, be distracted by fluctuating professional interests, be a workaholic, and who can be arrogant and have difficulty accepting advice.
Aggressive and Domineering
Finally, Frits Bolkestein also can be aggressive, impatient, impulsive, and short-tempered.
