Insiders: Cabinet's tone has been 'blunt' and 'rough', alleged racist remarks

The tone within the Dutch Cabinet has been harsher and rougher compared to previous administrations, according to insiders from various political backgrounds. This revelation comes in the wake of NSC State Secretary Nora Achahbar’s resignation on Friday over the behavior and discourse within the Cabinet. Sources describe the way government officials communicate with each other as "rude," "blunt," and "crude." Some insiders say they are not surprised by recent allegations of racist remarks.

Achahbar stepped down due to the conduct within the Cabinet and the tone of discussions on integration just days after the attacks in Amsterdam. Sources revealed that during a ministerial meeting, integration was discussed in terms such as "a boil that needs to be lanced," with claims that antisemitism is "in the DNA" of Muslims or Arabs. While the exact wording, context, and intent behind these remarks are debated, terms like "f***ing Moroccans" and "halal eaters" were reportedly less open to interpretation.

According to some sources in The Hague, this rough tone and language among ministers and state secretaries have been present for some time and are becoming increasingly intense. Such language is said to occur not necessarily in full Cabinet meetings but in smaller or more informal discussions. Insiders, however, refrained from providing explicit examples of the "blunt" language allegedly used.

One source disputes claims that interpersonal language within the Cabinet has worsened since the administration began but acknowledges that the tone is harsher than in the previous government. This, they say, is largely due to the Cabinet's "different political composition."

Prime Minister Dick Schoof firmly denied allegations of racism within the Cabinet or coalition during a press conference on Friday evening. His remarks followed a deep crisis triggered by Achahbar’s resignation earlier that morning during a Cabinet meeting. Initially, the NSC faction considered resigning alongside Achahbar, which could have led to the Cabinet’s collapse. However, after discussions with the four coalition leaders, it was decided to continue governing. Only Achahbar ultimately stepped down.