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Jeanine Hennis-PlasschaertDutch politician
Date of Birth: 07.04.1973
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
- Janine Hennis-Plasschaert: A Journey from Politics to United Nations
- Political Career
- Minister of Defense (2012-2017)
- Controversial Policies
- Bosnian War Apology
- Mali Incident and Resignation
- United Nations Special Representative (2018-Present)
- European Parliament Experience
- - Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs
- - Transport and Tourism
Janine Hennis-Plasschaert: A Journey from Politics to United Nations
Early Life and EducationJanine Hennis-Plasschaert was born on 7 April 1973 in Heerlen, Netherlands. After completing her secondary education at St.-Antoniuscollege in Gouda, she went on to study at the Europese Academie voor Secretariaat in Utrecht.
Political Career
Hennis-Plasschaert's political journey began with her membership in the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) in 2000. In 2004, she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), where she served on various committees, including those dealing with civil liberties, transport, and justice.
Minister of Defense (2012-2017)
Appointment and LegacyIn 2012, Hennis-Plasschaert became the first woman in Dutch history to hold the position of Minister of Defense. During her tenure, she focused on strengthening the operational readiness of the Dutch military. She traveled extensively to military bases and deployed locations, assessing combat capabilities and financial spending.
Controversial Policies
Hennis-Plasschaert's defense policies faced criticism for their radical nature. These included declaring 15,000 Dutch servicemen unfit for duty, reducing military spending, and selling Leopard tanks to Finland and Lithuania. Additionally, she removed Patriot missile batteries from Turkey, a decision she had initially advocated for.
Bosnian War Apology
In 2014, Hennis-Plasschaert apologized on behalf of the Dutch Armed Forces to three Bosnian families for the actions of Dutch soldiers during the Bosnian War.
Mali Incident and Resignation
In 2016, a training accident during a UN peacekeeping mission in Mali led to the deaths of two Dutch soldiers. An investigation concluded that the incident occurred due to negligence on Hennis-Plasschaert's part for prioritizing strategic objectives over safety. Following this incident, she resigned as Minister of Defense.
United Nations Special Representative (2018-Present)
Appointment and RoleOn 1 November 2018, Hennis-Plasschaert was appointed as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). In this role, she leads UN efforts to promote stability and support the Iraqi government.
European Parliament Experience
From 2004 to 2010, Hennis-Plasschaert served on various committees within the European Parliament, including those focused on:
- Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs
- EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee- Temporary Committee on the Alleged Use of European Countries by the CIA for the Transportation and Illegal Detention of Prisoners
- Transport and Tourism
- EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee- EU-Belarus Relations Delegation
- Euronest Assembly (Eastern Partnership)
- EU-US Relations Delegation (Counter-terrorism and US SWIFT banking)
