Dries van Agt, a prominent Christian Democrat, served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1977 to 1982. He recently passed away at the age of 93.
As reported by The Rights Forum, the human rights organization founded by Dries van Agt, both he and his wife made the courageous choice of euthanasia and passed away together.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide have been legal in the Netherlands since 2002 under specific conditions, including unbearable suffering, no prospect of relief, and a long-held, independent wish for death.
The couple’s enduring love spanned over 70 years. The announcement of their passing was made by The Rights Forum on Friday, revealing that they will 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.
They had been in fragile health for some time. In 2019, Van Agt suffered a brain hemorrhage while delivering a speech at a commemoration event for Palestinians, and unfortunately, he never fully recovered. After leaving politics, Van Agt became more progressive and founded a human rights organization. His distinctive language and love for cycling were well-known.
After retiring from politics, Dries van Agt gradually embraced more progressive views and eventually parted ways with his party in 2017 due to ideological disagreements concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His stance on this issue diverged significantly from the party’s position.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who affectionately dubbed Dries van Agt his “great-great-grandfather in office,” lauded the former statesman for his unwavering eloquence and steadfast convictions.
“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 conveyed their deep admiration for Dries van Agt, recognizing his remarkable capacity to inspire others through his distinctive personality and unique 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.
While serving as prime minister, Dries van Agt collaborated with the right-wing Liberal Party. Subsequently, he forged a coalition with the Labor Party and the centrist Democrats 66, which endured for a year.
Following his visit to Israel in 1999, Dries van Agt, underwent a significant transformation. He transitioned from his earlier political stance to becoming a vocal advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people. This profound shift in perspective was often described as a “conversion” for him. In 2009, he founded The Rights Forum, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a just and sustainable Dutch and European policy regarding the Palestine/Israel issue.
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