Dutch Coalition Faces Crisis Over Minister's Resignation

A political crisis in the Netherlands' ruling coalition has emerged following the resignation of Junior Finance Minister Nora Achahbar, who stepped down over what she deemed racist comments made by other ministers regarding violence linked to a recent soccer match in Amsterdam. Achahbar's resignation triggered emergency talks among coalition leaders, as other members of her centrist New Social Contract (NSC) party considered resigning, which could have jeopardized the government's majority in parliament. Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed that the crisis was averted with Achahbar's departure being the only resignation. The situation escalated as Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom, accused Moroccan youths of instigating violence against Israeli fans, prompting backlash from opposition leaders who condemned the remarks as incendiary. The coalition, consisting of four parties, faces uncertainty as Achahbar's NSC weighs its future role, with potential implications for the stability of the government.