Martens, Wilfried

Martens, Wilfried, 1936–, Belgian politician. A lawyer and well-respected negotiator, he was president of the youth wing of the Christian People's Party from 1965 to 1972. In the world of fractious Belgian politics, Martens has proven a popular figure. Premier from 1979 to 1992, he survived elections in 1982 and 1987 that focused on economic policy and a language dispute.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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