Two MPs have resigned from the centre-right NSC party, citing the “absence of decency” in political debate since Dick Schoof’s cabinet took office.

Femke Zeedijk and Rosanne Hertzberger took their decision following the departure of their party colleague, junior finance minister Nora Achahbar, amid allegations that racist remarks were made at last Monday’s cabinet meeting.

Zeedijk criticised Schoof and other cabinet ministers for lacking self-reflection in their response to Achahbar’s resignation. “For me, this has given discrimination a face. That’s where I draw the line.”

“Basic standards of decency, civility and how we talk about Dutch people are being breached, in particular by people who are responsible for running this country,” Hertzberger said.

“Now that Nora has gone, I cannot shrug my shoulders and carry on. I have not seen a credible route towards improving personal relations and the hostile political climate.”

Both were critical of the way that Achahbar, who was born in Morocco and raised in the multi-ethnic Schilderswijk in The Hague, was portrayed as the cause of the problems in cabinet after she criticised the “polarising” language in cabinet meetings.

Zeedijk said her departure had left the impression that “somebody with her background is not welcome”.

Lack of progress

The pair also expressed their frustration at the lack of progress made by the new government. “The debate in The Hague is not focused enough on solutions,” Zeedijk said.

Last Monday’s cabinet meeting was dominated by the street violence in Amsterdam the previous Thursday surrounding the European football match between Ajax and Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Prime minister Dick Schoof denied that racism had played any part in the discussions, but rejected calls from opposition leaders to publish the minutes, citing the confidentiality of government meetings.

Achahbar did not publicly accuse her colleagues of racism, but sources quoted in Dutch media said she had objected to “radical, damaging and possibly racist comments”. The allegations have been strongly denied by Schoof and other ministers, including finance minister Eelco Heinen.

The loss of the two MPs will temporarily reduce NSC to 18 seats in parliament and leave the four coalition parties with 86 MPs in the 150-seat chamber. However, Zeedijk and Hertzberger have agreed to vacate their seats, meaning they can be replaced by other NSC candidates.

Omtzigt delayed

Party founder and leader Pieter Omtzigt was expected to return to work this week after a two-month absence to recover from overwork, but a spokesman said earlier on Tuesday that he would not be travelling to The Hague.

Acting leader Nicolien van Vroonhoven said the remainder of the party and its cabinet ministers would continue to support the coalition. “We’re going full steam ahead,” she said. “We have a mission to fulfil. We are very sad to be letting Femke and Rosanne go.”