The debate over the Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision for Aruba (RAft/HOFA) has reached a critical stage. During a recent demonstration, unions sent a powerful message to the AVP-FUTURO coalition and Kingdom officials, while State Secretary Eric van der Burg promised to take the workers’ concerns back to the Netherlands.
“We Can Do This Without a Kingdom Law” Jose Figaroa, union leader of FTA, emphasized that the current struggle is a matter of democratic principle. According to Figaroa, the working class does not accept the Rijkswet HOFA because it undermines the island’s autonomy. “The prevailing discontent is a clear signal that the path currently being taken is not the correct one.”
The union presented its position in writing to Parliament, arguing that Aruba has already demonstrated for 10 years that it can manage its finances through local laws (landsverordeningen) without the need for direct intervention from the Kingdom. Figaroa called for “awareness” and urged that the people’s voice be heard before making decisions that compromise the country’s future. Aruba is currently paying high interest rates due to past mismanagement by AVP, but also due to COVID-19 loans. While the Kingdom Charter (Statuut) stipulates that Kingdom partners must assist each other during crises, the unions argue the Netherlands failed to comply, instead penalizing Aruba with high rates and now demanding a Rijkswet. They claim Aruba has not been treated with the respect often mentioned in speeches, and that the “lower interest rate” argument is merely a justification for the HOFA law.
Eric van der Burg: “Everything is Negotiable”
In a direct conversation with protesters, State Secretary Eric van der Burg explained the reasons why the Netherlands continues to push for the Rijkswet. According to the official, this law would allow Aruba to borrow money at a much lower interest rate, resulting in annual savings of approximately 6 million for the government treasury.
Although the law is already at the Council of State (Raad van State) for advice, Van der Burg acknowledged the discontent. He recalled that while both the current and previous governments gave their consent in the Kingdom Council of Ministers, “circumstances can change.” He committed to taking the unions’ message back to the Netherlands, indicating that the door for dialogue is not legally closed.