Eddy van Hijum

Yde Johan "Eddy" van Hijum (born 17 April 1972) is a Dutch politician who has served as the minister of social affairs and employment and third deputy prime minister in the Schoof cabinet since 2024.

Political career
Van Hijum studied civil engineering management at the University of Twente, and he served in the municipal council of Zwolle between 1998 and 2003. As a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal, he was a member of the House of Representatives from 2 September 2003 until 11 November 2014. He focused on matters of social security, income policy, dismissal law, labor participation policy and day care. He was invested as a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau upon his departure from the House.

Between 12 November 2014 and 12 July 2023, Van Hijum served as member of the provincial executive of Overijssel. He held the portfolio of Economy, Energy and Innovation. In the House of Representatives he was replaced by Martijn van Helvert. He served in the States of Overijssel from 26 March 2015 to 20 May 2015.

In August 2023, Van Hijum announced that he had joined New Social Contract (NSC), the political party founded by fellow former CDA member Pieter Omtzigt, and would head the committee responsible for writing the party's manifesto ahead of the 2023 general election. Following his election to the House, Van Hijum assisted Omtzigt in talks to form a new governing coalition. He serves as the NSC's spokesperson for finances and monetary policy, and he proposed the creation of a budget review body that would advise the House, similar to the American Congressional Budget Office.

After the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB formed the Schoof cabinet, Van Hijum was sworn in as Third Deputy Prime Minister and as Minister of Social Affairs and Employment on 2 July 2024. In the latter position, he succeeded Karien van Gennip.