Doubts about the suitability of Guido van Woerkom for the job of national ombudsman are growing after complaints from Dutch Moroccans about a racist comment.

The 59-year-old Van Woerkom, currently head of the motoring organisation ANWB, is the only candidate to take over from Alex Brenninkmeijer who left the post in January to work for the European audit office.

Van Woerkom was due to be officially appointed on Tuesday, but some opposition MPs are now expressing doubts.

Taxi

Members of the Dutch Moroccan community are opposed to Van Woerkom’s appointment because of remarks he made several years ago. Addressing a conference of lease car managers in 2010, he said he would prefer his wife not to take taxis because the driver could be Moroccan.

Van Woerkom apologised for the remark at the time and considered the matter closed because his apology was accepted.

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That the remark has been raised against him, has seen support for him in parliament collapse.

Many MPs are questioning whether Van Woerkom can represent all Dutch people, an essential requirement from the national ombudsman. Several Moroccan organisations have questioned whether he is neutral enough.

In addition, interim ombudsman Frank van Dooren warned in tv programme Nieuwsuur on Monday evening that ‘trust is essential for the job of national ombudsman’.

Although six candidates were interviewed for the job by a home affairs committee and three could have been submitted for consideration by parliament, it was decided to make Van Woerkom the only candidate.

It is not clear when parliament will make a decision on the appointment.