Hans Wiegel

Hans Wiegel (Dutch: [ɦɑns ˈʋiɣəl]; 16 July 1941 – 19 May 2025) was a Dutch politician of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and businessman.

Wiegel studied Law at the University of Amsterdam before switching to Political science obtaining a Bachelor of Social Science degree and worked as a freelance political pundit from July 1965 until April 1967. Wiegel also served as chairman of the Youth Organisation Freedom and Democracy from November 1965 until October 1966. Wiegel became a member of the House of Representatives shortly after the 1967 general election, taking office on 18 April 1967. After the 1971 general election, party leader and parliamentary leader Molly Geertsema was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior in the Biesheuvel I cabinet, and announced he was stepping down. Wiegel was unanimously selected as his successor, taking office on 1 July 1971. For the 1972 and 1977 general elections, Wiegel served as lead candidate, and following a successful cabinet formation with Christian Democratic leader Dries van Agt formed the Van Agt–Wiegel cabinet, with Wiegel appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior taking office on 19 December 1977.