Overview

Anna Theodora Bernardina "Ank" Bijleveld-Schouten (born 17 March 1962 in IJsselmuiden) is a Dutch politician affiliated with the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). She has held elected and appointed posts at municipal, provincial and national levels, including service in the cabinet led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte (Rutte III).

Early life and education

Born into a family with a military background, Bijleveld trained in public administration at the institution known as the Technical College of Twente, studying subjects related to public administration. Early in her political career she served as a municipal councillor in Enschede, a stepping stone that led to national office.

Political career and offices held

Bijleveld's political trajectory combines legislative work and executive responsibilities. She was elected to the House of Representatives and later moved between municipal leadership and provincial administration. Notable positions include:

  • Mayor of Hof van Twente (early 2000s)
  • Deputy minister (state secretary) in the fourth Balkenende cabinet, a national executive role
  • King's Commissioner of the province of Overijssel

Minister of Defence and resignation

From 26 October 2017 until 17 September 2021 Ank Bijleveld served as Minister of Defence in the third Rutte cabinet. Her remit included defence policy, the armed forces, procurement and international missions. In 2021 she faced intense scrutiny over the handling of evacuation efforts for Afghans who had worked for the Netherlands during the collapse of the Afghan government; criticism centered on shortcomings in the evacuation of locally employed staff and their families after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The controversy over the evacuation of Afghan collaborators (the Afghan evacuations) and related political accountability contributed to her decision to step down; the foreign minister, Sigrid Kaag, had earlier tendered her resignation in the same crisis.

Later roles and personal life

After leaving the Defence Ministry, Bijleveld returned to local government. She became acting mayor of Almere on 17 January 2022, succeeding the previous mayor, and has continued to be active in public administration. She is married with two children and is publicly identified with the Catholic Church.

Significance and profile

Bijleveld is among a cohort of politicians who have combined municipal leadership with national executive responsibilities. Her career illustrates the movement between local governance, provincial representation and cabinet posts in the Dutch system. Her tenure as Defence Minister highlighted issues of military policy and crisis management; her resignation underscored the political consequences of operational failures during international emergencies. For a concise timeline and further reading consult official profiles and news summaries.

Further information: birthplace · party · cabinet · study · university · early council · mayoral role · provincial post · Afghan evacuation · Afghanistan 2021 · Almere · religion