Piet Steenkamp — Dutch politician and co‑founder of the CDA

Early life and education

Steenkamp was born in Uithoorn, in the province of North Holland. Born into the interwar generation, he completed studies in economics and began a career that combined professional work in economic affairs with engagement in Christian democratic politics. His formative years and training gave him a reputation for practical problem-solving and a detailed grasp of fiscal and organisational matters.

Role in creating the CDA

From the 1960s into the 1970s, Steenkamp played a leading part in negotiations to unify the main Christian democratic currents in the Netherlands. He was instrumental in the process that resulted in the creation of the CDA in the late 1970s, when the Catholic People's Party (KVP), the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP) and the Christian Historical Union (CHU) agreed to form a single political formation. His work focused on bridging denominational differences and designing party structures capable of representing a broad centre-right constituency.

Parliamentary career and Senate presidency

Steenkamp served in the Dutch Senate (Eerste Kamer) and was elected President of the Senate, a post he held from 1983 until 1991. The President of the Senate presides over plenary debates, represents the chamber on formal occasions and has a role in ensuring orderly legislative scrutiny. During his presidency Steenkamp emphasised the revising function of the Senate and procedural integrity, working across party lines to maintain institutional stability.

Political style and influence

Throughout his career Steenkamp was known as a consensus-builder: someone who sought compromises acceptable to different traditions within Christian democracy. Colleagues and observers have described him as pragmatic, methodical and focused on organisational detail. His efforts helped to stabilise the Dutch political centre in a period of social and political change.

Later life and legacy

After leaving the Senate, Steenkamp continued to be regarded as an elder statesman within the CDA and the wider political community. He advised younger politicians, participated in public discussions on institutional questions and remained a reference point for party strategy. Steenkamp died on 8 January 2016 in Eindhoven, in the province of North Brabant, at the age of 90. His role in shaping the modern CDA and his long service in the Senate are central elements of his public legacy.

Notable facts

• Regarded as a principal architect of the post-merger CDA.
• Presided over the Dutch Senate for eight years, emphasising legislative review.
• Remembered for a pragmatic, consensus-oriented political style that influenced Dutch Christian democracy.