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The violence in Amsterdam surrounding last week’s Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Ajax Amsterdam match continues to cast a shadow over the Dutch political landscape. Moroccan-born State Secretary for Benefits and Customs, Nora Achahbar, has resigned from her position in the Dick Schoof cabinet in protest against what she described as racist remarks made by her government colleagues.
According to Dutch media, Achahbar’s resignation was a response to «dissatisfaction with events within the cabinet following the violence in Amsterdam surrounding the football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv». The clashes, which took place on November 6 and 7 in the Dutch capital, involved fans of the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv and supporters of Ajax Amsterdam.
Dutch national broadcaster NOS reported that the resignation «triggered a sense of crisis within the government, which is currently holding emergency meetings at the Catshuis».
Sources indicated that last Monday’s cabinet meeting was especially tense, as Achahbar openly objected to what she saw as racist statements. She also «expressed her concerns as a government official about her colleagues' choice of language».
«Racist remarks» during debate on Maccabi vs. Ajax match clashes
Achahbar’s stance has raised questions about the stability of her party, the New Social Contract (NSC), with speculation that other ministers from the party might follow her lead.
«If more ministers decide to step down—which cannot be ruled out—the situation could escalate dramatically for Prime Minister Dick Schoof and his coalition partners», NOS added.
Nora Achhabar, 42, joined the government in July after a distinguished career in law, including roles as a prosecutor, lawyer, and judge.
Opposition leader Frans Timmermans (Labor/Greens) called Achahbar’s resignation «entirely justified», stating, «Racist statements have become commonplace in this government, eroding public trust». He also called for a public debate on the matter.
Rob Jetten, leader of the Democrats 66 party, echoed this sentiment, asserting that «racist remarks have no place in the state administration» and urging the release of cabinet meeting minutes for an open parliamentary discussion.
Dutch officials, led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, were quick to attribute the incidents in Amsterdam to young people of immigrant backgrounds, labeling them as anti-Semitic. However, critics noted that fans of the Israeli team had initiated the violence, targeting Muslim communities—particularly Moroccans—with anti-Muslim chants.
During Monday’s parliamentary debate on the events, far-right party leader Geert Wilders took it a step further, blaming the violence on «Muslims and Dutch-Moroccans».
