In the House of Representatives, a commemoration was held on Tuesday, March 4, following the passing of Frits Korthals Altes. He served in various roles for the VVD from 1981 to 2001, including as a member of the House of Representatives from 1989 to 1991. Korthals Altes passed away on February 19, 2025, at the age of 93.
Korthals Altes was a member of the Senate from 1981 to 1982 and Minister of Justice from 1982 to 1989. Afterwards, he was a member of the House of Representatives for two years. He returned to the Senate from 1991 to 2001, where he was both the leader of his party and the President of the Senate. In 2001, he was appointed Minister of State.
More Administrator than Politician
Standing at 1.67 meters, Frits was known as little Frits, but his presence in any room was never small, remarked Speaker Martin Bosma in his eulogy. His sharpness and precision meant that everyone listened when he spoke. Bosma also noted that Korthals Altes always felt more of an administrator than a politician. And that is what he was: an administrator who believed in rules, in order, in a system that works for everyone.
When Does the House of Representatives Commemorate?
In the House of Representatives, commemorations occur upon the death of heads of state from countries with which the Netherlands maintains close allied relations. These include EU member states, Council of Europe, and NATO. Furthermore, plenary commemorations are held upon the passing of members of the Royal House, Ministers of State, and former Speakers of the House, Prime Ministers, and party leaders. Commemorations are also held for the death of sitting Members of Parliament and civil servants working in the House of Representatives.
Watch and Read More
Prime Minister Dick Schoof also delivered a eulogy. Watch the full commemoration via External link:Debat Direct and read the full speech by Speaker Bosma.