During his visit to the Netherlands, Mike Eman assured members of the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) that they can count on the approval of the national law (LWHO), claiming he has the support of 11 members of parliament for this. With this statement, Eman signaled to the Tweede Kamer that they can prepare to move forward with the Kingdom Act HOFA (Rijkswet HOFA).
In addition to this, Eman guaranteed both the Tweede Kamer and the Dutch Government that nothing will be changed in the laws, despite the advice from Aruba’s Advisory Council (Raad van Advies) and the observations made by the Council of State of the Netherlands (Raad van State).
A commitment made before recess Minister Eman gave a formal commitment to the Netherlands that the LWHO will be handled before the parliamentary recess, and that the President of Parliament, Marlon Sneek, will ensure this happens. This statement raises serious questions regarding the democratic process, as the people of Aruba were completely unaware of any of this.
What is most concerning: the very same 11 members of parliament that Eman is using as a guarantee are precisely the ones who previously voted to send the law to the Raad van State. They paved the way. Today, they are being used as proof that the path will remain clear.
Van den Burg confirmed: the outcome is already clear State Secretary Eric van den Burg emphasized that the matter does not have his direct interest. However, according to MP Vrolijk, the statements from the members of the Tweede Kamer themselves show a level of certainty and arrogance that draws attention. Van den Burg went as far as to declare that he has the support of parties in the Netherlands to pass the law.
The question remains: if Aruba reduced its debt from 117% to 61% under its own local law — the lowest level since 2011, as confirmed by the Raad van State itself — why is a permanent Kingdom Act necessary?
Eman must be held accountable Today, Eman is back in Aruba participating in Arubadoet, but he is not showing his face in Parliament to explain exactly what he committed us to while in the Netherlands.
For this reason, MP Vrolijk will formally request a public meeting with Mr. Eman so he can clarify his statements, allowing the public and the unions to evaluate the truth of what transpired.
The issue is simple: if the 11 votes are guaranteed, and if the LWHO passes before recess without public debate and without the possibility of amendments, the people of Aruba have a right to know exactly who made this decision and what it is based on.