Resignation of Dutch Junior Minister Sparks Political Turmoil Amid Amsterdam Clashes

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
15/11/2024 17h25

**Dutch Junior Minister Resigns Amid Political Turmoil Over Amsterdam Clashes**

A state secretary from the Dutch finance ministry has resigned, creating a stir in the coalition government following last week's violent incidents between locals and Israeli football fans in Amsterdam. Nora Achahbar, a member of the centrist New Social Contract (NSC) party, announced her resignation due to alleged racist remarks made by other ministers in a cabinet meeting on Monday, as reported by Dutch broadcaster NOS.

The coalition government, consisting of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), the center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), and the NSC, has been facing internal conflicts since its formation in July. Prime Minister Dick Schoof and members of the four governing parties have in part blamed migrants, particularly Arabs and Muslims, for the violent confrontations involving supporters of the Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv after their match against Dutch team Ajax.

Achahbar, who has Moroccan heritage, has yet to make a public statement about her resignation. However, political fallout continues as other NSC ministers, including Interior Minister Judith Uitermark, are reportedly contemplating their positions. The alleged racist remarks made during the cabinet meeting have further fueled the controversy.

The tension escalated in Amsterdam on the day of the match when some Maccabi Tel Aviv fans removed Palestinian flags in the city's center and shouted anti-Arab slogans. The acting police chief has stated that ten Israeli fans were arrested the day before the match.

Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV party, has been vocally critical of the government's reaction, demanding stronger actions against antisemitism through social media, and targeting the prime minister and justice minister for their perceived inadequate responses.

While PVV, VVD, and BBB support a proposal to revoke the Dutch citizenship of those involved in the anti-Israeli violence, the NSC has withheld support for such measures. This division within the coalition government highlights the broader challenge in addressing and resolving such incidents.

Opposition figures have also spoken out. Frans Timmermans, leader of the Labor-Green alliance, has praised Achahbar’s decision to resign, highlighting the apparent prevalence of racist statements within the Cabinet. D66 leader Rob Jetten has echoed these sentiments, calling for transparency about the discussions held in the contentious cabinet meeting.

As the situation evolves, the leaders of PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB are scheduled to hold a crisis meeting at the prime minister’s residence to address the ongoing turmoil.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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