The PPA faction leader, Eduard Pieters, strongly condemned the government’s decision to postpone a Public Meeting of Parliament at the last minute, without providing any reason or the explanation that the Parliament and the people of Aruba are entitled to.
According to Pieters, the meeting was not improvised. The PPA faction officially submitted the request on May 28, 2026, in accordance with the Rules of Order, with the necessary number of signatures for the meeting to take place. Nevertheless, shortly before the meeting, the government announced it would not proceed, without providing a motivation for the decision.
“I can understand that things happen and a minister may not be able to attend a meeting, whether due to personal circumstances or another reason. But when you postpone a Public Meeting without giving any reason and without holding yourself accountable to Parliament, this is unacceptable and condemnable.”
Parliament has the right to answers Pieters emphasized that the Public Meeting was convened for a concrete reason: to provide clarity regarding the management of the Tourism Product Enhancement Fund (TPEF), a fund that represents approximately 2.2% of tourism revenue and generates millions of florins for Aruba.
“We simply wanted the minister to come to Parliament, face the people, and explain how this public resource is invested.” For the PPA, Parliament is not a formality. It is the constitutional body with the duty to oversee how the government manages the people’s money.
TPEF is not for operating expenses During his interview, Pieters questioned the way the government is using the TPEF. According to the parliamentarian, the law that created the TPEF is clear: resources must be invested in projects that strengthen Aruba’s tourism product, such as tourist attractions, safety, environmental protection, cultural heritage, and awareness. “TPEF is an investment fund. It is not a fund to cover daily operating expenses.”
Government treats symptoms, not causes The parliamentarian also linked the issue to the growing waste problem in Aruba. According to Pieters, the government continues to react to consequences, while the root of the problem remains unresolved. “Placing more containers, cleaning areas, and signing contracts with private companies for trash containers does not eliminate the real cause of the problem.” Through its Plan Nos Aruba 2050, the PPA maintains that Aruba must invest in permanent solutions, including modern technology for waste processing, innovation, and infrastructure that truly reduces dependence on landfills.
Transparency is not a slogan, it is a constitutional duty For Pieters, the matter is much larger than the TPEF. It is about respect for Parliament, respect for the Constitution of Aruba, and respect for the people who elected their representatives to oversee the government. “If a minister does not show their face, does not explain, and does not hold themselves accountable, they are not only disrespecting Parliament but also the people of Aruba.”