Aukje de Vries (born October 21, 1982) is a Dutch politician who served as the State Secretary for Finance, with responsibility for benefits and customs, in the Fourth Rutte cabinet from January 10, 2022, to July 5, 2024. A member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), she previously served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2012 to 2022.
Early Life and Education Born in Leeuwarden, Friesland, de Vries pursued her education in public administration and political science. She studied Public Administration at the Thorbecke Academie in Leeuwarden, and later completed a master's degree in Political Science at Leiden University.
Political Career De Vries began her political career in her home province. From 2007 to 2012, she was a member of the Provincial Council of Friesland, representing the VVD. During her time on the council, she focused on various provincial issues and gained experience in regional governance.
In 2012, de Vries was elected to the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) as a member of parliament for the VVD. She was re-elected in 2017 and 2021. As a Member of Parliament, she primarily focused on financial policy, public expenditure, and social affairs, serving as a spokesperson for her party on these topics.
On January 10, 2022, de Vries was appointed State Secretary for Finance in the newly formed Fourth Rutte cabinet. In this role, she was responsible for complex portfolios within the Ministry of Finance, specifically dealing with benefits administration (including reforms following the childcare benefits scandal) and the customs service. Her tenure concluded with the resignation of the cabinet in July 2024.