Herman Van Rompuy

Biography

A few words about Herman Van Rompuy

Born in Etterbeek, Brussels, on 31 October 1947.

Married to Geertrui Windels; father of Peter (1980), Laura (1981), Elke (1983) and Thomas (1986); grandfather of Lander (2008)

Studies:

• Grammar school, Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege, Brussels (1965)
• Bachelor of Philosophy, K.U.Leuven (1968)
• Master in Applied Economics, K.U.Leuven (1971)

Career history:

• Research assistant at the National Bank of Belgium (1972-1975)
• Adviser in the office of Prime Minister L. Tindemans (1975-1978)
• Adviser in the office of Finance Minister G. Geens (1978-1980)
• Director of the Centre for Political, Economic and Social Studies (1980-1988)
• Lecturer at the Antwerp International Business School (1980-1987)
  • Lecturer at the Flemish School of Higher Education in Economics (VLEKHO), Brussels (1982-…)

Political career:

• National vice-president of the Christian People's Party (CVP) youth wing (1973-1977)
• Member of the CVP’s national bureau (1978-…)
  • CVP negotiator during formation of the Martens III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and Dehaene I, II governments
  • CVP chairman of the Brussels-Hal-Vilvorde constituency (1982-1988)
  • CVP senator (1988-1995)
  • State secretary for finance and SMEs (May 1988-September 1988)
  • National chairman of the CVP (September 1988-September 1993)
  • Deputy prime minister and budget minister (September 1993-July 1999)
  • CD&V MP in the Chamber of Representatives (1995 -…)
  • Minister of State (January 2004)
  • Speaker of the Chamber of Representatives (July 2007- December 2008)
  • Royal explorer (September 2008)
  • Royal conciliator (October 2008)
  • Prime minister (December 2008 - ... )

Publications:

• De kentering der tijden, book published by Lannoo, 112 p. (1979)
• Hopen na 1984, book published by Davidsfonds, Horizonreeks (September 1984)
• Het christendom. Een moderne gedachte, book published by Davidsfonds, Forumreeks (September 1990)
• Vernieuwing in hoofd en hart. Een tegendraadse visie, book published by Davidsfonds, Forumreeks (autumn 1998)
• De binnenkant op een kier. Avonden zonder politiek, book published by Lannoo, 165 p. (2000)
• Dagboek van een vijftiger, book published by Davidsfonds, 144 p. (October 2004)