Charles van Rooy

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Dr. Charles Joan Marie Adriaan (Charles) van Rooy (January 23, 1912, Rotterdam - August 1, 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 November 15, 1939, on January 22, 1944 he was fired by the Germans and went in to hiding. After Hontenisse was freed, he became mayor again in November 1944 till December 16, 1945. Subsequently he became mayor of Etten-Leur (December 16, 1945 – May 1, 1952), Venlo (May 1, 1952 – May 1, 1957), and Eindhoven (May 1, 1957 – May 19, 1959).

From May 19, 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 (July 3, 1961), after his child benefit plans were met with great criticism.

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