The Dutch government narrowly avoided collapse after Finance Secretary Nora Achahbar resigned due to controversial remarks made by far-right politician Geert Wilders about the violence surrounding a soccer match in Amsterdam on November 7. The incident, which involved clashes between Israeli and Moroccan fans, led to Wilders blaming Moroccan immigrants for the unrest and accusing them of fueling antisemitic violence.
In response to Wilders’ statements, which included claims that “Moroccans want to destroy Jews,” Achahbar, who was born in Morocco, announced her resignation, stating that the polarization of society had become too great for her to continue in her role. She expressed that such divisive rhetoric undermined societal unity and created an atmosphere of distrust between citizens.
Despite the resignation, Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed that the ruling coalition would continue its work, denying that the situation was driven by racism within the government. While coalition leaders denounced antisemitism and called for harsh penalties against those involved in the violence, opposition politicians, including Frans Timmermans of the Green-Left Socialist Party, accused Wilders of worsening tensions and exacerbating racial divisions.
The violence in Amsterdam occurred before and after a football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Maccabi fans involved in anti-Arab chanting and assaults on individuals they believed to be Jewish. The clashes resulted in multiple injuries and more than 60 arrests.
