Former Dutch PM and his wife die 'hand in hand' by euthanasia

HAGUE: Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt, a prominent Christian Democrat who served from 1977 to 1982, has passed away at the age of 93.

According to The Rights Forum, the human rights organization he founded, van Agt and his wife chose euthanasia and passed away together.

The couple had been married for over 70 years. The news of their deaths was announced by The Rights Forum on Friday, stating that they would be privately buried in Nijmegen.

“He died hand in hand with his beloved wife Eugenie van Agt-Krekelberg, the support and anchor with whom he was together for more than 70 years and whom he always continued to refer to as my girl,'” said The Rights Forum in a statement.

Both van Agt and his wife had been in poor health for some time. In 2019, van Agt suffered a brain hemorrhage while giving a speech at an event commemorating Palestinians and never fully recovered.

After leaving politics, van Agt became increasingly progressive and eventually left his party in 2017 due to ideological differences regarding Israel and the Palestinians.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who referred to van Agt as his “great-great-grandfather in office,” praised the former politician for his eloquence and conviction.

“With his flowery and unique language, his clear convictions and his striking presentation, Dries van Agt gave color and substance to Dutch politics in a time of polarization and party renewal,” Rutte said.

The Dutch royal family also expressed their admiration for van Agt, acknowledging his ability to inspire others with his personality and style.

“He took administrative responsibility in a turbulent time and managed to inspire many with his striking personality and colorful style,” said King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Princess Beatrix in a joint statement.

During his tenure as prime minister, van Agt governed alongside the right-wing Liberal Party. He later formed a coalition with the Labor Party and the centrist Democrats 66, which lasted for a year.

After a visit to Israel in 1999, van Agt became a vocal advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people. This experience was referred to as a “conversion” for him.

In 2009, he founded The Rights Forum, a non-profit organization that seeks to promote a just and sustainable Dutch and European policy regarding the Palestine/Israel issue.

Van Agt is survived by his three children.

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