Dries van Agt Cause of Death

Dries van Agt, the Christian Democrat prime minister of the Netherlands from 1977 until 1982, has passed away through euthanasia, alongside his wife, at the age of 93, as confirmed by the human rights organization he founded.

The Rights Forum announced on Friday that the couple passed away on Monday and would be laid to rest in a private ceremony in Nijmegen, the eastern city where they resided.

In a statement, the non-profit organization revealed, “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.’”

Both individuals had been in frail health for some time. Van Agt’s health took a critical turn in 2019 when he suffered a brain hemorrhage while delivering a speech at a Palestinian commemoration event, from which he never fully recovered.

Initially a Christian Democrat from a traditional Dutch background, Van Agt’s political stance evolved towards progressivism after leaving office. He parted ways with his party in 2017 due to ideological disagreements with the center-right Christian Democratic Appeal, particularly regarding Israel and the Palestinians.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who considered Van Agt a mentor, expressed admiration for the late politician’s contributions. “With his eloquent and distinctive language, his unwavering convictions, and his charismatic demeanor, Dries van Agt brought vibrancy and depth to Dutch politics during a period of polarization and party reformation,” Rutte remarked in a statement.

The Dutch royal family also paid tribute to Van Agt’s legacy. “He assumed leadership during a tumultuous era and succeeded in inspiring many with his remarkable personality and vibrant style,” King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix said in a joint statement.

Van Agt was renowned for his antiquated expressions, eloquent speeches, and his passion for cycling, which he was compelled to relinquish in 2019 following an accident.

Serving as prime minister alongside the right-wing Liberal Party, the Christian Democrat Appeal under Van Agt’s leadership governed the Netherlands from 1977 to 1981. Subsequently, he resumed office after elections, forming a coalition with the Labor Party and continuing his tenure until 1982.