During his press conference on Thursday, Parliamentarian Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction delivered a strong and critical message regarding the celebration of 40 Years of Status Aparte. According to Pieters, Aruba cannot allow such a historic achievement built on so much sacrifice to be reduced to a beautiful ceremony, eloquent speeches, and empty symbolism, while current political decisions put that same autonomy at risk.
Beautiful words vs. real action
During recent celebrations, from Plaza Betico Croes to the University of Aruba, several speeches highlighted the importance of maintaining Status Aparte. Minister Gerlien Croes, for example, emphasized that “the struggles of the past define our decisions today and in the future” and that “we must be proud of what we have as Arubans.”
However, Pieters questioned the consistency between words and actions. “How can one speak about preserving Status Aparte,” he asked, “while at the same time supporting legal initiatives that undermine our autonomy?” According to the PPA, the danger lies in this contradiction: celebrating political independence in words while accepting structures that may limit Aruba’s authority in practice, especially regarding Parliament’s budgetary rights (“budgetrecht”).
A struggle of more than 70 years
Pieters reminded the public that the fight for Status Aparte did not begin in 1986 but more than 70 years ago. He referred to the Van Poelje report and the Interimregeling, when the late Juancho Irausquin tried to prevent Aruba from losing its equal position within the Netherlands Antilles. When the political majority in Curaçao and the late Henny Eman chose the “interimregeling,” Irausquin warned that this path would weaken equality among the islands. From that moment, he founded the PPA, and the struggle for separation and self-determination became inevitable.
Therefore, Status Aparte is not a historical gift, but the result of sacrifice, political vision, and determination from previous generations. Ignoring this history, according to Pieters, is a lack of respect for the legacy of Aruba’s political leaders.
Rijkswet and the risk to autonomy
The main concern of the PPA is strong support for the Rijkswet, which Pieters believes threatens the foundation of Aruba’s autonomy. He stated clearly that Aruba cannot celebrate 40 years of Status Aparte in a “superficial and cosmetic” way while strategic decisions shrink local decision-making power.
“We cannot stab our people in the back,” Pieters declared, noting that Ministers Croes and Wever believe that the direction of the Rijkswet introducing stricter financial supervision—is the best path, without fully understanding its implications. “The number of years of struggle is much greater than the age of Ministers Croes and Wever,” he said. Therefore, it is crucial that they understand what this struggle means for Aruba. Autonomy is not a minority issue; it is a collective right earned through long sacrifice.
Finally, Pieters called for serious reflection. For this to happen, Ministers Croes and Wever must understand what the struggle meant and what Status Aparte truly represents for Aruba—then act responsibly. Parliament must stand firm, political factions must unite with unions and civil society to present a clear national front: Aruba is open to cooperation within the Kingdom, but not to conditions that undermine its autonomy.
Aruba has proven it can manage its finances with discipline and even generate surpluses. The country has the capacity to lead its own future. The celebration of Status Aparte must go beyond ceremonies—it must be translated into leadership, protection of constitutional rights, and a real commitment to the sacred struggle that shaped Aruba as a nation.