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Rabat – Nora Achahbar, the Dutch state secretary for Benefits and Customs, announced her resignation on Friday after racist remarks surfaced within the cabinet following violent clashes in Amsterdam, local media reported.
Achahbar, who is of Moroccan origin, found certain comments made by her colleagues, particularly about people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, to be racist.
The racist comments occured in the aftermath of the riots that took place in Amsterdam last week following a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Videos circulating online showed Maccabi supporters tearing down Palestinian flags displayed on buildings while waving Israeli flags and chanting anti-Arab slogans.
The confrontation escalated as the Maccabi fans clashed with pro-Palestinian Ajax supporters, many if whom were of Moroccan descent.
Achahbar’s resignation has sparked debate within political circles, especially within the governing coalition, the New Social Contract (NSC) party.
Read also: Dutch Parliamentary Debate Sparks Controversy with Islamophobic, Anti-Moroccan Rhetoric
European leaders described the attacks on Israeli supporters as antisemitic, though many argued that Maccabi fans provoked the violence in the lead-up to the match.
Geert Wilders, leader of the right-wing Freedom Party (PVV), criticized the incident and called for measures to revoke the passports of individuals with dual nationality, directing blame towards the Moroccan community. His comments have raised concerns about growing racial tensions within the government.
Achahbar’s resignation, while in response to the comments, has also prompted criticism from opposition leaders. Frans Timmermans, leader of the opposition Greens/Social Democrat party, called it “ridiculous” that the state secretary felt compelled to step down, suggesting that a true reform would involve removing those responsible for the racist remarks rather than sidelining those affected by them.
