Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife, Eugenie, peacefully passed away on Monday through duo euthanasia, with their hands tightly intertwined. Both remarkable individuals were 93 years old at the time of their passing.
Dries van Agt served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1977 to 1982 and was the founding leader of the country's Christian Democratic Appeal party. The Rights Forum, a pro-Palestinian organization founded by van Agt in 2009, announced the couple's demise in a heartfelt statement.
The translated statement from The Rights Forum expressed, 'On Monday, February 5, Dries van Agt died in his beloved hometown of Nijmegen, alongside his cherished wife, Eugenie van Agt-Krekelberg. The funeral was held privately, honoring their lifelong bond. Both had lived a full 93 years.'
Van Agt was renowned for fearlessly championing the cause and rights of the Palestinian people. As one of the first prominent Dutch figures to bring attention to their plight, he acknowledged a personal calling to take action, declaring, 'If someone else won't do it, I will.' This steadfast commitment remained with him until his passing.
Characterized as engaging and distinctive, van Agt possessed a charmingly old-fashioned and eloquent style of speech. He displayed an unwavering interest in people and the world around him. The statement noted, 'In his unique way, he remembered the names of individuals who had served alongside him years ago. To us, van Agt was both a friend and an inspiration. As 'van Agt's Club,' as we are often called, we will faithfully continue building upon the foundation he established. His mission is in capable hands.'
In 2019, van Agt experienced a cerebral hemorrhage that permanently impacted his cognitive abilities. This deteriorating health condition frustrated him, as it hindered his creativity, concentration, and his ability to deliver passionate speeches. Gradually, he retreated from public life, fully aware that he had entered the twilight phase of his existence.
As van Agt's health declined over the years, so did that of Eugenie, his partner of over seven decades. Nevertheless, even in their final moments, van Agt affectionately referred to her as 'my girl.'
'On February 5, they departed this world simultaneously, with their hands lovingly clasped,' the organization added, painting a poignant picture of their united journey coming to an end.
The passing of Dries van Agt and Eugenie van Agt-Krekelberg marks the conclusion of two extraordinary lives intertwined in a shared passion for justice and humanitarianism. Their legacy resonates not only within the realm of Dutch politics but also within the hearts of those who continue to fight for causes close to their hearts.
May their souls find peace, and may their tireless dedication to the causes they championed inspire generations to come.
