Riots as a trigger

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Dutch police intervene in a pro-Palestinian protest.(Bild: APA/AFP)

According to media reports, the government coalition in the Netherlands is threatening to break up in connection with the recent anti-Semitic riots. The cabinet convened for an emergency meeting on Friday, the broadcasters NOS and RTL reported, citing government circles. 

Prior to this, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Nora Achahbar, had submitted her resignation. She said that comments made by some ministers about the violence in the previous week had gone too far.

Other politicians threaten to resign
This was reported by the newspaper "De Volkskrant". Other members of her NSC party are also said to have threatened to resign. Should the NSC leave the coalition, the remaining three parties could continue as a minority government or new elections could be called.

Nora Achahbar was seen at the prime minister's official residence after the cabinet meeting on Friday.(Bild: AFP)

Violence during riots after soccer match
Violent riots broke out during pro-Palestinian protests surrounding the Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 7. These were internationally condemned, including by Germany. The police have not given any details about the suspects' origins.

According to a report by TV station NOS, around 200 demonstrators tried to reach the stadium and break through a police blockade around a week ago.(Bild: AFP/APA/ANP/Jeroen Jumelet)

However, several ministers have stated that young people of Moroccan descent in particular attacked the Israeli fans. Right-wing populist Geert Wilders, whose PVV party leads the coalition, has also repeatedly spread this narrative. Achahbar was born in Morocco.

None of the people or parties mentioned could initially be reached for comment. The party leaders were seen entering the official residence of Prime Minister Dick Schoof in The Hague. In addition to the PVV and the NSC, the coalition also includes the liberal-conservative VVD of former Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the farmers' party BBB. The Islamophobic PVV won the election in November last year, but the coalition negotiations dragged on for months.