Halbe Zijlstra (born January 21, 1969 in Oosterwolde, Friesland) is a former Dutch politician of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
Early life and education
He studied marketing at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and sociology at the University of Groningen.
Career
He was on the city council of Utrecht. From 2006 to 2010 he was a member of the Second Chamber. He held the position of Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Science in the First Rutte cabinet from 2010 to 2012. Then he was his party's parliamentary leader from 2012 to 2017. His highest political position was as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Third Rutte cabinet beginning on October 26, 2017.
On February 13, 2018, Halbe Zijlstra resigned after he had lied about attending meetings with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Personal life
Halbe Zijlstra is married with one child.