A.-E. De Schryver's political activities (1928-1965) were determinedby his conviction that he, as a member of a political elite, was mandatedto lead the country through all political vicissitudes and with a minimalconsensus across the divides between parties and social and linguisticgroupings. That elite couldn't leave important decisions to the man onthe street, pressure groups, or even to changing political majorities, butshould keep its hands free to settle conflicts and to work on practicalsolutions. Through De Schryver's intervention, political burdens, suchas the Royal Question and the school-funding controversy, were lightened.Through his part in the "armed peace", he created the conditionsthat would allow for socio-economie progress, sound budgetary management,and a security policy.
