Former Netherlands prime minister Dries van Agt and his spouse Eugenie van Agt-Krekelberg died by euthanasia earlier this month.

According to a human rights organisation based by Agt, the couple died “hands in hands”. They had been buried in a non-public ceremony within the japanese metropolis of Nijmegen. The information about their demise was made public on February 9.

“He (Dries van Agt) 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,’” the non-profit mentioned in an announcement.

The couple had been in fragile well being for a while, in accordance with the Associated Press. In 2019, Van Agt suffered a mind haemorrhage whereas giving a speech at a commemoration occasion for Palestinians. He by no means totally recovered.

A Christian Democrat, Van Agt grew to become more and more progressive after he departed politics. In 2017, he left his Christian Democratic Appeal over ideological variations relating to the battle between Israel and the Palestinians.

Referring to Van Agt as his “great-great-grandfather in office”, incumbent Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte spoke extremely of the previous politician.

“With his flowery and unique language, his clear convictions and his striking presentation, Dries van Agt gave colour and substance to Dutch politics in a time of polarization and party renewal,” Rutte mentioned in an announcement, in accordance with AP.

The Dutch royal household additionally praised the previous prime minister saying that he took accountability in a turbulent time.

“He took administrative responsibility in a turbulent time and managed to inspire many with his striking personality and colourful style,” King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix mentioned in a joint assertion.

In 1999, following a go to to Israel, he grew to become more and more vocal about his assist for the Palestinian folks. He referred to his expertise of the journey as a “conversion.”

The couple is survived by their three kids.