Hans Wiegel, past leader of VVD party and prominent Dutch politician, dies aged 83 Journalist and biographer Pieter Sijpersma looked back on Wiegel's transition form vocal critic to statesmanly Queen's Commissioner (CdK) of Friesland. Sijpersma, the former Friesland correspondent of de Volkskrant, as well as editor-in-chief of Dagblad van het Noorden and acting director of RTV Noord, published a biography of Wiegel in 2020.

Wiegel made an impression on Sijpersma when he met him as a young reporter. "He was tough in debate but he was also a very sensitive and very kind man," he said. Wiegel left a permanent mark on Dutch politics, transforming the VVD into a people's party without compromising on liberal principles.

Wiegel's transformation from politician to public servant could be seen in the position he acquired as Queen's Commissioner in Friesland in 1982. "The strong opposition leader vanished. He ended up just doing the job and being almost apolitical," Sijpersma said. Wiegel occupied the post for twelve years and was instrumental in enhancing Friesland's international reputation.