The Dutch government, led by hard-right leader Geert Wilders, is facing a crisis following reports of the finance state secretary's resignation over comments on immigrants. The controversy arose after Israeli fans were assaulted following a soccer game in Amsterdam.
Wilders attributed the attacks on Israeli soccer fans to Moroccans, stating that 'we saw Muslims hunting Jews' and suggesting that those involved should be deported if they have dual nationality. This sparked condemnation from lawmakers, who emphasized the need to prosecute and punish the perpetrators of the violence.
The finance state secretary, Nora Achahbar, reportedly of the centrist New Social Contract party, is said to be resigning over the situation. While this news has not been independently confirmed, it has led to crisis talks among coalition party leaders in the Dutch government.
Opposition legislators criticized Wilders for exacerbating tensions with his remarks, accusing him of adding fuel to the fire. The four-party coalition government, which saw Wilders' party emerge as the largest in the previous election, is now facing internal dissent due to the controversy.
The situation escalated further with violence erupting in Amsterdam before and after the soccer match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Both sets of fans were involved in unrest, with anti-Arab slogans being chanted and a Palestinian flag being torn down. Additionally, there were reports of 'hit-and-run' attacks on Maccabi fans and individuals perceived to be Jewish.
As the government grapples with the fallout from these events, party leaders were seen arriving at the Prime Minister's residence for discussions. The leader of the Green-left-Socialist opposition, Frans Timmermans, expressed support for Achahbar and criticized the government for tolerating racist remarks.
