A political crisis is brewing in the Hague as a State Secretary for Finance Nora Achahbar, from the centrist NSC party, announced her resignation.
The tense discussions stem from incidents involving Israeli supporters on the sidelines of a football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel-Aviv a week ago.
These events have shaken the political landscape and sparked reactions beyond Dutch borders. According to Nora Achahbar, during a government meeting led by Dick Schoof last Monday, racist remarks were allegedly made during talks on the integration of immigrants. Achahbar, the State Secretary for Finance responsible for Allowances and Customs, is of Moroccan descent.
Her decision to resign from her post has been supported by the opposition, who quickly demanded a debate on the alleged racism within the government. It comes as a blow to Schoof's government, which formed just four months ago. The Prime Minister has summoned the four party leaders of the government parties for crisis talks.
Dutch media reported on Friday afternoon that there is a “crisis at Catshuis” – the official residence of the Prime Minister. A cabinet meeting was already scheduled for Friday, where ministers from various coalition parties are discussing the unfolding events, according to Dutch press reports.
