Rinze Visser, longest-serving Dutch council member, dies at 87

Rinze Visser, the longest-serving municipal council member in the Netherlands, has passed away at the age of 87. Representing the New Communist Party of the Netherlands (NCPN), Visser served in the local councils of Lemsterland and later De Fryske Marren.

His political career spanned over 55 years, beginning in 1970. Visser was noted for his dedication to social equality and his efforts to assist citizens navigating bureaucracy or facing injustice. He remained active in his role until his health declined due to COPD, attending his final council meeting late last year.

Throughout his tenure, Visser was recognized as a prominent figure for the communist movement in Friesland. He was known for his commitment to wealth redistribution and supporting marginalized groups within his community.