P. J. Oud biography presented to Rotterdam Mayor

A new scientific biography titled ‘Strijdbaar democraat’ (Fighting Democrat) detailing the life of P. J. Oud (1886-1968) was presented to Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten at the Rotterdam City Hall.

Written by historian and political scientist Boris van Haastrecht, the book explores the legacy of a man who served as a member of the House of Representatives for the Vrijzinnig-Democratische Bond (VDB) and as Minister of Finance. As Mayor of Rotterdam, Oud led the city through the 1940 bombings and laid the groundwork for its post-war reconstruction.

The project was initiated by Ivo Opstelten and Gerrit Voerman. Van Haastrecht completed his doctoral research on this subject at the University of Groningen in early September.