Stefaan De Clerck

About

Belgian politician known for being the Minister of Justice and for being the chairman of the Christian Democrats and Flemish (CD&V) party from 1999-2003. He also served as mayor of his hometown of Kortrijk.

Before Fame

He graduated in law from the Catholic University of Leuven in 1975. He then practiced as a lawyer in his hometown before getting into politics. He became a member of the House of Representatives in 1999.

Trivia

He was appointed Minister of Justice but had to resign after serial killer Marc Dutroux managed to escape from a courthouse in Neufchâteau on April 23, 1998. He authored the bill abolishing the death penalty in Belgium which was approved in 1996.

Family Life

He was born and raised in Kortrijk, Belgium. His father was also a politician.

Associated With

He belonged to the same political party as Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy.