Jan Peter Balkenende is a Dutch politician who served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 2002 to 2010. He is a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and played a significant role in Dutch politics during his tenure, guiding the country through various national and international issues. Balkenende is known for his conservative values and efforts to promote stability and unity within the Netherlands. Throughout his political career, Balkenende focused on issues such as welfare reform, EU integration, and maintaining social cohesion. He was recognized for his calm demeanor and pragmatic approach to governance, often working to build consensus among different political parties. His leadership was marked by efforts to balance economic growth with social responsibility. Jan Peter Balkenende was born on May 7, 1956, in Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands. He studied history at the Free University Amsterdam and later earned a doctorate. Before entering national politics, he held various academic and governmental roles, which shaped his policy perspective. Balkenende is also noted for his contributions to Dutch political thought and his influence on the country's political landscape over nearly a decade as Prime Minister.