Jetta Klijnsma

Who is Jetta Klijnsma?

Jellejetta Klijnsma is a Dutch politician. As a member of the Labour Party she was an MP from 2010 to 2012. She focused on matters of culture, senior citizens, disabled people and medical ethics. Previously she was State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment in the Fourth Balkenende cabinet and an alderwoman of the municipality of The Hague. Since November 5, 2012 she has been State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment, dealing with unemployment insurances, equality, long-term unemployment, poverty, health and safety in the Second Rutte cabinet.

Klijnsma studied history at the University of Groningen, with a specialization in social history and economic history. After graduating she began to work for the Labour Party's parliamentary group. She was assistant to MPs André van der Louw, Marcel van Dam and Thijs Wöltgens.

In 1990 she was elected to the municipal council of The Hague. In 1998 she became alderwoman for welfare, health and emancipation. After the 2006 municipal elections she became responsible for culture and finance and also became vice-mayor. After Wim Deetman stepped down, she was mayor ad interim of The Hague.