Nora Achahbar, the former Dutch State Secretary for Benefits and Customs, has denied racism within the government had anything to do with her leaving office.
Achahbar, who was born in Morocco, resigned early on November 15, saying numerous “falsehoods” were told to journalists. She gave more details of her resignation in an interview on November 20.
“These falsehoods were then reproduced in newspapers and on social media. The accusations and leaks to the press undermine trust in the government. And it also damages individuals,” she said.
“I read bizarre statements that are not true. I did not leave because of racism. It is damaging.”
A number of journalists had reported that within the Dutch Government, insulting, racist remarks had been made by the Liberal VVD party and Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party. Both parties immediately denied the stories.
The issue caused a crisis within the government on November 15, putting it on the brink of collapse, as the centrist New Social Contract Party (NSC) threatened to leave. That was averted after a long and intense series of meetings late on November 15.
In a press conference immediately after her resignation, Achahbar spoke about what she called a “high degree of polarisation” that made it impossible for her to remain in the Cabinet.
She said “the tone and content of debate” conflicted with her values and integrity, adding that she hoped her departure would be seen as a sign that things needed to change in government.
Amid the row, two MPs from her NSC party also resigned.
On November 20, Achahbar clarified to news outlet Hart van Nederland that racism was not a factor at all.
“I was on a rollercoaster for the past few days. I hope it stops,” she said.
“I have no idea what happened there. It’s reminiscent of that old game where you whisper something into someone’s ear and by the time it reaches the end of the circle, it turns into a completely different word.”
“Something went wrong along the way.”
When asked whether a derogatory remark about “bloody Moroccans” had been discussed in cabinet, Achahbar declined to comment. “I don’t want to engage with specific words; that would only give them oxygen. All I can say is that I was stunned by the reporting.”
She did clarify that she took issue with what she called the crude manner of communication within the government, for example, statements about Islamic youths not sharing Dutch values or claims of an integration problem. She claimed such comments divided members of the government.
“I want to tackle anti-Semitism as well, but I don’t see this [approach]as a solution. Polarisation can lead to riots and even civil wars. I am genuinely concerned about this.
“Over the past week, I realised that NSC stands alone in trying to depolarise,” Achahbar concluded.
