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’.
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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
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Van Agt was renowned for his outdated allusions and extravagant rhetoric, along with his fervor for cycling.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.