Schermerhorn–Drees cabinet
The Schermerhorn–Drees cabinet was the executive branch of the Dutch Government from 25 June 1945 until 3 July 1946. The cabinet was formed by the christian-democratic Roman Catholic State Party (RKSP), the social-democratic Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP) and the social-liberal Free-thinking Democratic League (VDB) by royal decree following the end of World War II. The cabinet was a provisional centre-left grand coalition and had a substantial majority in the House of Representatives, with prominent civil engineer Willem Schermerhorn of the Free-thinking Democratic League serving as Prime Minister. Social Democratic Leader Willem Drees served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs.
Schermerhorn–Drees cabinet
Image: Hoofdbestuur Pvd A. Prof. Ir. W. Schermerhorn. Minister voor Algemene Oorlogsvoe…, Bestanddeelnr 901 4794
Image: Minister van Sociale Zaken dr. Drees aan zijn bureau, pen in de hand. 29 mei 1947. SFA001014095
Image: Louis Beel 1945 (1)
Willem "Wim" Schermerhorn was a Dutch politician who served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 25 June 1945 until 3 July 1946. He was a member of the Free-thinking Democratic League (VDB) and later co-founder of the Labour Party (PvdA). According to Harry W. Laidler, the government under Schermerhorn's premiership "achieved important results in the fields of labor, finance, housing, old age pensions, and the social services".
Willem Schermerhorn in 1946