In a “perfect, very good, and interesting” meeting held within the framework of the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO), representatives from the four parliaments of the Kingdom Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands—came together to debate mutual cooperation and, especially, a topic of great significance: the democratic deficit within the current constellation of the Kingdom.
Thanks to the insistence and persistence of these four parliaments, a group of experts was successfully formed to conduct a profound analysis of all the literature and work that had already been formally carried out on this subject. The result of this joint effort is a “tremendous report” that has been formally presented.
The five dimensions of analysis
The expert group addressed the structural problem of the democratic deficit through five essential dimensions:
· Representation: How citizens of the different countries feel represented within the decision-making bodies.
· Influence: The degree of actual impact that the countries can have on decisions that affect the entire Kingdom.
· Control and Accountability: The mechanisms for monitoring and demanding accountability in Kingdom affairs.
· Balance of Power: A fair equilibrium between the powers of each people and each country that makes up this structural union.
· Capacity: The means and resources available to the islands.
Capacity as a pillar for equity
The report underlines that the capacity dimension is crucial. By strengthening the capacity and resources that can be invested in the islands, a truly renewed Dutch Kingdom can be achieved. This capacity is not just one more dimension, but an essential part of making the others possible.
Ultimately, the main goal is to use this capacity to transition from the principle of equality to a structural focus on equity in parliamentary and governmental relations.
The report was received with great pride by the members of IPKO, who thanked the experts for their work. The next step in this process will be the presentation of a broader report, which is expected to be officially presented at the end of October this year.