The former Dutch prime minister, “dad” of coffee shops and supporter of the Palestinian cause Dries van Agt died “hand in hand” with his wife Eugenie

Dries van AgtChristian Democratic prime minister of the Netherlands from 1977 to 1982, died by euthanasia “hand in hand” with his wife, Eugenie van Agt-Krekelberg. They were both 93 years old and leave behind three children. The news of his death was given by The Rights Forum, the human rights organization he founded. Both were 93 years old. The couple died on Monday and were to be buried in a private ceremony in the eastern city of Nijmegen.

“He died hand in hand with his beloved wife, the support and anchor with whom he was for more than 70 years and who he always continued to call “my girl,” the organization wrote in a statement. Both had been in poor health for some time. In 2019, Van Agt suffered a brain hemorrhage while giving a speech at a memorial event for the Palestinians and never fully recovered.

Christian Democrat of traditional Dutch stock, Van Agt has become increasingly progressive after quitting politics, finally leaving his party in 2017 due to ideological differences with the centre-right Christian Democratic approach. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte called Van Agt his “great-great-grandfather in office.” “With his flowery and unique language, his clear beliefs and his striking presentation, Dries van Agt has given color and substance to Dutch politics at a time of polarization and party renewal,” Rutte wrote in a statement.

The Dutch royal family also praised him. “He took on administrative responsibility in a turbulent time and managed to inspire many with his striking personality and colorful style,” said King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix in a joint statement. Van Agt was known for his archaic references and grandiose language, as well as his passion for cycling.

With the right-wing liberal party he governed the Netherlands from 1977 to 1981. Van Agt is remembered for being the creator of the cannabis tolerance policy which the Netherlands still follows today. After the election, he again became prime minister for a year in a coalition with the Labor Party and the centrist Democrats. After a first visit to Israel in 1999, he increasingly expressed his support for the Palestinian people: he defined his travel experience as a “conversion”. In 2009 he founded The Rights Forumwhich advocates a “just and sustainable Dutch and European policy regarding the Palestine/Israel issue”.