The Dutch government has managed to avoid a collapse following the resignation of Finance Secretary Nora Achahbar, which stemmed from controversial remarks made about immigrants after a violent incident in Amsterdam on November 7. Achahbar, a member of the New Social Contract party, stepped down after comments by far-right politician Geert Wilders blamed Moroccan immigrants for violent attacks on Israeli soccer fans.
Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom, had referred to the violence as being driven by “Moroccans who want to destroy Jews,” and argued that those involved should face deportation if they hold dual nationality. Achahbar, born in Morocco, stated that the polarizing rhetoric had made it impossible for her to continue in her role as finance secretary. In her resignation letter, she expressed concern over the societal divide caused by such comments, noting that polarization threatens the bond between citizens and leads to the perception of each other as enemies rather than fellow citizens.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof attempted to calm tensions, stating that the coalition parties were determined to continue working together despite the crisis. He also denied that the government’s internal discussions were racially motivated. While the coalition condemned antisemitism and agreed on the need for accountability for the violence, Wilders’ remarks had stirred up further opposition within the government and the public.
Opposition leader Frans Timmermans of the Green-Left Socialist Party criticized the government’s handling of the situation, accusing Wilders of exacerbating racial tensions. Timmermans also voiced support for Achahbar, saying that racist remarks had become a recurring issue in the current administration.
The violence in Amsterdam occurred before and after a football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, with both sets of fans involved in clashes. Maccabi fans reportedly chanted anti-Arab slogans and desecrated a Palestinian flag, while others carried out targeted attacks on Maccabi supporters and people they believed were Jewish. The unrest resulted in several injuries and over 60 arrests.