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Marianne ThyssenBelgian Flemish politician
Date of Birth: 24.07.1956
Country:  Belgium |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Mariann Fischer Boel (born 14 September 1943) is a Belgian Flemish politician who served as European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Vocational Training and Labour Mobility in the Juncker Commission (2014-2019). In 1979, she graduated from the Catholic University of Leuven with a law degree.
Legal Career
After graduating, Fischer Boel joined the law faculty of her alma mater. In 1980, she became a legal advisor to the Union of Independent Entrepreneurs (UNIZO) and Markant, a regional branch of the European Marketing Distribution for Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In 1988, she became the head of UNIZO's research department, leaving the organization in 1991 as Deputy Secretary-General. During this period, she served as a lawyer for Chris Peeters, who later became Prime Minister of Flanders.
Political Career
In 1988-1990, Fischer Boel worked as legal advisor to Viviane Demeester, State Secretary of Health. She joined the Christian People's Party in 1989 and was elected to the European Parliament in 1991. She was re-elected continuously, serving in the European People's Party faction. In 2008, she became President of the Christian Democratic and Flemish party (CD&V), leading the party's list in the largest constituency for the Senate election.
European Commissioner
In 2009, Fischer Boel was awarded the Robert Schuman Medal, an award established by the EPP Group in 1986 to honor individuals who promote peace, European integration, and humanitarian values. On November 1, 2014, she took office as European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Vocational Training, and Labour Mobility in the Juncker Commission.
