Jan Appling Secretary | DeKalb County Republican Party
Jan Appling Secretary | DeKalb County Republican Party
The Dutch government recently faced a crisis following antisemitic incidents in Amsterdam and the resignation of State Secretary Nora Achahbar. The turmoil began after an Amsterdam riot, linked to a football match, escalated into attacks on Israeli fans. Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), criticized the cabinet's response to the violence.
Nora Achahbar, a member of the New Social Contract party, resigned after allegedly hearing racist comments during a cabinet discussion about immigrants. She stated that "the polarizing manners have had such an impact on me that I could, or would, no longer fulfill my role as state secretary."
Prime Minister Dick Schoof addressed the situation with coalition leaders and confirmed their intention to continue governing. He denied allegations of racism within the coalition.
Wilders accused Moroccans of being responsible for the violence and suggested deportation for those involved if they hold dual nationality. He stated that "we saw Muslims hunting Jews" and claimed it was driven by "Moroccans who want to destroy Jews."
Despite condemnation from politicians against antisemitism and calls for harsh punishments for perpetrators, opposition legislators accused Wilders of exacerbating tensions. His remarks have caused some discord within the four-party coalition.
Euronews reported on Achahbar's resignation: “Moroccan-born Nora Achahbar of the centrist New Social Contract party said she had heard racist comments in cabinet about immigrants after Israeli fans were assaulted following a soccer game in Amsterdam.”
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