Ex-prime minister Dries van Agt dies 'hand in hand' with woman during double euthanasia because they 'couldn't live without each other'
FORMER Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt died 'hand in hand' with his wife during a double euthanasia – because they 'couldn't live without each other'.
Van Agt and his wife Eugenie, both 93, were there buried together after they chose to die on Monday.
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The couple is said to have been very ill, with Van Agt never fully recovering from illness stroke in 2019.
The Rights Forum, a charity founded by van Agt, announced the rare “duo euthanasia”.
A spokesperson said: “He died hand in hand with his beloved wife Eugenie van Agt-Krekelberg.
“She was the support and rock with whom he was together for more than seventy years.
“He always kept calling her 'my girl'.”
Eugenie and van Agt were married for 65 years after they met students.
He served as Dutch Prime Minister between 1977 and 1982 and led the centre-right Christian Democrats.
Van Agt was popular for his sense of humor and for driving Tour de France cyclists.
He left the Christian Democrats in 2010 after the party's election pact with a far-right politician Geert Wilders.
Van Agt wrote several books about the Israel-Palestine conflict, launching the Rights Forum to campaign for justice in the region.
His biographer Peter Bootsma said: 'The way his life ended is something that characterizes the man.
'Stubborn and autonomous, until the end.
“I sometimes thought: they have been married for 65 years, what if one of the two is no longer there?”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte paid tribute to his “political great-great-grandfather”.
Rutte said: “With his flowery and unique language, his clear convictions and his striking presentation, Dries van Agt gave color and substance to Dutch politics at a time of polarization and party renewal.”
The Dutch Royal family said: “We remember Dries van Agt with great respect.
'He served our country for many years as Prime Minister and Minister of Justice.
“He took administrative responsibility in a turbulent time and managed to inspire many with his striking personality and colorful style.
“His commitment to our country and maintaining connections in our society deserves great appreciation.”
Dries van Agt and Eugenie leave behind their three children and are buried together in the city of Nijmegen, where they met.
If you are experiencing any of the issues discussed in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
What is double euthanasia?
EUTHANASIA and assisted suicide have been legal in the Netherlands since 2002.
People may end their lives if they experience unbearable suffering with no prospect of relief, or if they have a long-held and independent desire to die.
In 2022, there were approximately 9,000 deaths due to euthanasia in the Netherlands.
Double euthanasia is rare, but increasing: the number of registered cases has doubled from 26 in 2020 to 58 in 2022.
Expert Constance de Vries says: “Many people fear the prospect of having to continue on their own, especially when they are 80 and no longer so flexible.”
Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in Britain, with the maximum penalty for euthanasia being life in prison.