Jean Van Houtte
Jean Marie Joseph Van Houtte ( born March 17, 1907 in Ghent, † 23 May 1991) was a Belgian Christian Democrat financial expert, politician and Prime Minister.
Study and career
After studying Law and Doctorate Doctor of Canon Law, he worked as a notary. Later he was a professor of law at the Universities of Ghent and Liège, and Director of the Institute of Public Finance.
Political career
Van Houtte represented from 1949 to 1968, the Christian People's Party (CVP ) in the Senate. He was from 1965 to 1968 Chairman of the Finance Committee.
From 8 June 1950 to 15 January 1952, he was finance minister in the cabinets of Jean Duvieusart and Joseph Pholien.
On January 15, 1952, he was finally appointed himself prime minister. This office he held until his replacement by Achille Van Acker on April 23, 1954. His reign was characterized by the then global recession. In addition, the opposition criticized in their view to mild repression against Belgian collaborators as well as the extension of military service.
From June 26 1958 to April 25, 1961, the recognized financial expert was appointed by Prime Minister Gaston Eyskens again as Minister of Finance. During this time, he also belonged to the Board of Governors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( IBRD). He was also the 1959 Governor of the European Investment Bank ( EIB).
Awards
For his achievements in politics in 1966, he received the first royal honorific title of " minister of state " and was founded in 1970 by King Baudouin I. appointed Baron.
He was also a Doctor honoris causa of the Universities of Grenoble, Lille and Nice.
Publications
- Houtte, Jean van: " La responsabilité civile dans les transports aériens intérieurs et internationaux ", Louvain 1940