Minister P.A. Kerstens

Portrait of Petrus (Piet) Adrianus Kerstens (1896-1958). Kerstens was a minister in the war cabinet in London during the Second World War. He began his career as a teacher in Brabant, later teaching in the Dutch East Indies and becoming politically active there. In London, as Minister of Trade, Industry and Shipping, he initially made a decisive impression. Later he had competence disputes with his colleagues, came into conflict with shipowners, and fell into disfavor due to several rash policy decisions, especially with the Queen. He was embittered by his dismissal. After the war, he was a spokesperson for the KVP in the First Chamber. A strong proponent of European cooperation. This photo comes from the estate of artist Cor Visser.