Justice minister uncomfortable about silence on racists remarks during Cabinet meeting

Justice Minister David van Weel finds it "uncomfortable" that the Cabinet can no longer say anything about the alleged racist statements during the Council of Ministers meeting, he said on the program WNL op Zondag. These consultations are confidential, and even contradicting incorrect reporting, for example, would not be possible for that reason, he believes. According to him, that would be a "slippery slope".

Prime Minister Dick Schoof repeatedly denied at his press conference on Friday that there had been any racist remarks. Van Weel thinks it is "wise to stick to that line". The Justice Minister emphasized that "If there is a hint that there was racism, you have a problem as a Cabinet."

The Cabinet almost collapsed on Friday after NSC State Secretary Nora Achahbar (Benefits) announced her departure due to "polarizing manners". The Cabinet meeting the previous Monday reportedly discussed anti-Semitism that was "in the DNA" of Muslims or Arabs, and as a "pimple" from which you can't just squeeze the pus. Also reportedly discussed were "shitty Moroccans" and "halal eaters".

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.

However, Prime Minister Dick Schoof claimed on Friday evening that there is and was no racism in the Cabinet and the coalition factions in the Tweede Kamer.

The Dutch Prime Minister did not want to comment on the controversial statements, because they were said to have been made in the Council of Ministers meeting. What is discussed there remains secret for at least 20 years.