Background
He is the son of the later Professor econometrics
He is the son of the later Professor econometrics
In 1975, he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in economics at the KU Leuven.
Doctor After obtaining his licentiate degree in economics, he obtained a baccalaureate degree in philosophy (1971). From 1976 till 1981, he worked at the Kredietbank as economist. In the meantime, he was elected in 1977 as national president of the Christian People"s Party (Christelijke Volkspartij (Christian People's Party)) youth wing (now Civil Defense&V).
He remained president until 1983.
In 1988, the Christelijke Volkspartij (Christian People's Party) lost the elections. He would remain in that function until 1995.
From 1991 until 1995, he was Member of Parliament in the Flemish parliament. In 1995, he became the first Flemish minister of Economy, Agriculture and Media.
In 1999, he resigned after the huge electoral loss of his party.
Since 1999, he has been Member of Parliament in the Flemish Parliament.
In 1981, he had already become Member of Parliament of the European Parliament. In 1981, he became a member of the local city council of Zaventem (1 January 1983 - 31 December 1988). His national career started when he was elected as Member of Parliament in 1985.