Paul van Zeeland

Paul Guillaume van Zeeland (Known as "Vicomte van Zeeland")

Prime Minister of Belgium (1935–1937), Economist, Co-Founder of Bretton Woods Order

Born Nov 11, 1893

Soignies (Hainaut), Belgium

Passed Away Sep 22, 1973 Brussels, Belgium

Lifespan 79 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Economic policy must serve human dignity, not rigid dogmas that starve our workers."

Archival Overview

Belgian Catholic economist and statesman who served as Prime Minister (1935–1937), rescuing Belgium from the Great Depression through Keynesian currency devaluation, and co-founded postwar European integration institutions.

Biographical Record

After fighting in World War I and enduring four years of German captivity, Van Zeeland studied economics at Princeton University. Returning to Belgium, he became Vice-Governor of the National Bank and professor of economics at Leuven.

Appointed Prime Minister in 1935 at the depths of the economic depression, he took Belgium off the gold standard, devalued the franc by 28%, and launched public works that stimulated rapid economic recovery. In 1936, his resolute leadership crushed Léon Degrelle's fascist Rexist movement.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Soignies Communal Cemetery
Soignies (Hainaut), Belgium

                         GPS: 50.5789, 4.0722                    

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