UA crisis meeting between the leaders of the ruling parties – the far-right Freedom Party (PVV), the pro-farmer BBB, the right-wing liberal VVD and the anti-corruption NSC – was underway in La Haye after the departure of a Secretary of State.
Secretary of State for Finance Nora Achahbar (NSC, center-right anti-corruption) resigned denouncing racist remarks made in the council of ministers regarding clashes last week in Amsterdam between Israeli supporters and locals, reported public broadcaster NOS earlier today.
Maccabi Tel-Avic fans stood out before the Europa League match between Ajax and their team by singing anti-Arab chants and burning a Palestinian flag in the central Dam Square. After the match, Israeli supporters were chased and assaulted in the streets of the Dutch capital.
According to several Dutch media, Finance Minister Eelco Heinen (VVD) referred to the rioters in Amsterdam as “the scum of society”. As finance minister, Mr Heinen is Ms Acahbar’s direct superior.
While far-right leader Geert Wilders called for the deportation of those involved in the clashes, Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the integration of people of Moroccan origin into Dutch society had failed. And this, while an investigation is still open to try to identify the troublemakers.
Nora Achahbar was born in Morocco. His resignation weakened an already vulnerable coalition. However, the other members of his party ultimately decided to remain in government.
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