Charles van Rooy

Dr. Charles Joan Marie Adriaan (Charles) van Rooy (23 January 1912, Rotterdam – 1 August 1996, Hilversum) had a political career as a mayor of various cities, minister and governor. He was a member of the Katholieke Volkspartij (Catholic People's Party; KVP).

He started his career as the mayor of Hontenisse on 15 November 1939, on 22 January 1944 he was fired by the Germans and went into hiding. After Hontenisse was freed, he became mayor again in November 1944 till 16 December 1945. Subsequently he became mayor of Etten-Leur (16 December 1945 – 1 May 1952), Venlo (1 May 1952 – 1 May 1957), and Eindhoven (1 May 1957 – 19 May 1959).

From 19 May 1959 he served as the Minister of Social Affairs and Health under the catholic prime minister Jan de Quay, his friendship with De Quay was probably one of the reasons he unexpectedly became minister. His career as a minister ended after only two years (3 July 1961), after his child benefit plans were met with great criticism.

His continued his political career as mayor of Heerlen (16 January 1962 – 1 January 1964) and ended it as governor of Limburg (1 January 1964 – 1 February 1978).

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