The news was announced on Friday by The Rights Forum, stating that the couple passed away on Monday and will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in the eastern city of Nijmegen.
According to a statement from the non-profit organization, he passed away while holding hands with his beloved wife
. They had been together for over 70 years, and he affectionately referred to her as ‘my girl’.
Both individuals had been in delicate health for a while. In 2019, Van Agt experienced a brain hemorrhage during a speech at a commemoration event for Palestinians, which had a lasting impact on his health.
Van Agt, a Christian Democrat with a traditional Dutch background, underwent a progressive transformation after stepping away from politics. Eventually, he decided to part ways with his party in 2017 due to ideological disagreements regarding the center-right Christian Democratic Appeal’s stance on Israel and the Palestinians.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who has a strong admiration for Van Agt, referred to him as his “great-great-grandfather in office.”
“Dries van Agt brought a vibrant and distinctive voice to Dutch politics during a period of division and political rejuvenation,” Rutte stated, acknowledging his eloquent language, unwavering beliefs, and captivating delivery.
Dutch Royals Admire Former Prime Minister’s Leadership
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The Dutch royal family also expressed their admiration for him. “He assumed administrative responsibility during a challenging period and succeeded in captivating many with his charismatic demeanor and vibrant approach,” expressed King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix in a collective statement.
Van Agt was renowned for his outdated allusions and extravagant rhetoric, along with his fervor for cycling. He had to give up that hobby in 2019 following a fall.
The Netherlands was governed by the Christian Democrat Appeal and the right-wing Liberal Party, with Van Agt serving as prime minister from 1977 to 1981. Following the elections, he once again assumed the role of prime minister, forming a coalition with the Labor Party and the centrist Democrats 66. This government remained in power for a year.
After a visit to Israel in 1999, he started expressing his strong support for the Palestinian people. He described his experience of the trip as a “conversion.”
In 2009, he established The Rights Forum, an organization that promotes a fair and sustainable Dutch and European policy on the Palestine/Israel issue, as stated by the non-profit organization. He leaves behind his three children.