Greet Prins, a veteran Dutch senator and vice-chair of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) parliamentary group in the Senate, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the age of 72. She had been living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, for several years. Despite her illness, Prins remained active in her parliamentary duties until just days before her death, participating in a key Senate vote on immigration legislation on Tuesday, April 22, 2026.
According to official announcements from the CDA and the Dutch Senate, Prins died peacefully at her home in Nieuwkoop. Her party highlighted her enduring commitment to public service, noting that in the final months of her life, she carefully managed her energy to continue fulfilling her responsibilities as a senator and committee chair. “In the last months, she conserved her energy during the week to carry out her parliamentary work as effectively as possible,” the CDA stated in a memorial message. “This reflects her sense of duty and her deep involvement in the office she fulfilled with great conviction.”
Prins had been a member of the Netherlands’ Senate since June 11, 2019, representing the CDA. From June 27, 2023, she served as chair of the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Sport. In this role, she contributed to debates on healthcare policy, mental health and social welfare initiatives. Her colleagues remembered her as a principled and dedicated legislator who brought both expertise and empathy to her work.
Before her political career, Prins held leadership positions in the public and private sectors. She worked at the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) and chaired Philadelphia Zorg, a healthcare organization supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 2011, she was named Healthcare Manager of the Year for her leadership at the organization. Earlier in her career, she was honored with a royal decoration in 2010, recognizing her contributions to society.
Her final public act came on April 22, 2026, when she participated in the Senate’s deliberation and vote on a controversial asylum and immigration bill. Despite the physical toll of her condition, Prins attended the session and cast her vote against the legislation. The bill had undergone amendments earlier in the process, including the removal of a provision that would have decriminalized humanitarian aid for undocumented migrants—a change her party had supported but which was ultimately rejected by a majority in the Senate.
The CDA expressed disappointment over the outcome of the vote, describing the failure to pass the humanitarian aid amendment as “a disgrace” and “deeply saddening.” Party leaders emphasized that Prins had stood firmly in favor of protecting those who assist migrants in need, reflecting her long-standing belief in compassion and solidarity as guiding principles in public life.
Throughout her tenure, Prins was known for her thoughtful approach to complex policy issues. During a 2023 debate on expanding public health legislation, she cited lessons from scenario planning, stating: “From a professor who taught scenario planning, I learned that one must always consider one or more bizarre scenarios in one’s deliberations. Precisely because reality often surpasses our imagination.” This mindset shaped her advocacy for preparedness in healthcare and social policy, particularly in anticipating emerging challenges.
After leaving formal office roles, Prins continued to contribute in an advisory capacity. From 2021 to 2025, she served as a member of the Supervisory Board of CZ Health Insurance. Following October 1, 2025, she transitioned into an advisory role with the same organization, offering guidance based on her extensive experience in healthcare governance and public administration.
Her passing has prompted tributes from across the Dutch political spectrum. Colleagues described her as a consensus-builder who listened deeply and acted with integrity. The Senate announced it would consult with her family and the CDA parliamentary group to determine an appropriate time for a formal tribute in her honor.
As the Netherlands reflects on her legacy, Prins is remembered not only for her policy contributions but for the quiet determination with which she faced her illness while continuing to serve. Her life stands as a testament to the possibility of sustaining purpose and dignity in public office, even amid profound personal challenge.
For updates on official memorials or legislative proceedings related to her work, the public is encouraged to consult the official website of the Dutch Senate and the CDA party’s communications channels.
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