Elco Brinkman, a prominent figure in Dutch politics and former leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), has died at the age of 78. Brinkman served as a minister and later led the CDA, but his tenure is largely remembered for the party’s significant election loss in 1994. This defeat marked the end of a long period of CDA influence in Dutch government and sent the party into opposition. Despite the election outcome, Brinkman was known as a skilled debater and a dedicated public servant. Throughout his career, he focused on social and economic issues, advocating for a strong social safety net alongside a market economy. His death marks the end of an era for the CDA and Dutch politics more broadly, with many reflecting on his contribution to the country’s political landscape.