[1][2] The debate about same-sex marriage caused friction between his personal life and his political affiliation, as Wijn himself is gay.

[2] After the 2002 general election, Wijn was appointed State Secretary for Economic Affairs responsible for foreign trade in the Balkenende I cabinet, taking office on 22 July 2002.

The cabinet fell just four months later on 16 October 2002 after tensions in the coalition over the instability of the Pim Fortuyn List (LPF) and continued to serve in a demissionary capacity.

Among other things, Wijn was responsible for the functioning of the Tax and Customs Administration, which he transformed into an organisation that not only collects but also redistributes funds, e.g. for healthcare expenses, rent support and child benefits.

Wijn retired from national politics and became active in the private sector, in June 2007 he was named as chief business officer (CBO) of the Rabobank, in 2009 Gerrit Zalm asked him to join ABN AMRO, which he did.