The president of the SIKI foundation is very concerned and saddened to see once again that politicians do not respect themselves, the constitution, or the laws of the Country of Aruba. At the same time, the due respect is not shown to the people of Aruba, failing to treat them with dignity.
The president of the SIKI foundation, Jayburtt Dijkhoff, indicates that according to the Advisory Council (Raad van Advies), it is crystal clear that the Rijkswet HOFA is a direct attack on the constitution of the Country of Aruba. However, the fact that a Prime Minister—in this case, Prime Minister Mike Eman—is stepping down from his position is historic, something that has never happened before. For a Prime Minister to resign and leave responsibilities behind at a time when the country needs them most is an act of abandoning duties. This certainly does not show a good farewell from Prime Minister Mike Eman. Yet, we must pause for a moment: nothing is regulated in the constitution for this step.
The president of the SIKI foundation researched Aruba’s laws, but unfortunately, nothing is specified. What constitutes political tradition is “messing around/shuffling” (shummel) and failing to keep agreements, as constant changes to previously made pacts are seen year after year.
According to Jayburtt Dijkhoff, the only thing to fall back on is the coalition agreement itself. Anyone can find this on the Aruba government website. The coalition agreement contains only four names that formed the AVP-FUTURO coalition negotiation: Minister Mike Eman, Wendrick Cecilia, Gerlien Croes, and Geoffrey Wever.
Analyzing what is happening, Prime Minister Mike Eman was not a major vote-getter. Minister Wendrick Cecilia was, but he noted that he has now begun his career as a politician; he could not become Prime Minister and honored Mike Eman to take the role, which he holds today. But by doing this, the rules of the game were already changed.
Now, Prime Minister Mike Eman has publicly announced that he will retire and leave office effective January 1, 2027. That means another candidate must be found. But how will this be done? Given there are no rules or specifications, and unfortunately for 40 years, no protocol has been worked on for such cases.
Nevertheless, the coalition agreement dictates that one of these four names is the one who represents not only their party, but also a substantial part of the voting public. According to the SIKI foundation president, why are the Prime Minister, Wendrick Cecilia, Gerlien Croes, and Geoffrey Wever not asked first to assume the responsibility and become the next Prime Minister of the Country of Aruba? Alongside this, does parliament approve? Does the people of Aruba approve?
The position of Prime Minister is a role of trust that holds the coalition together. Parliament, elected by the people of Aruba, must grant a vote of confidence to the next Prime Minister. However, according to Jayburtt Dijkhoff, the movements being witnessed show that another name has been introduced that “skips over” (bula cabes) the three people who signed the coalition agreement, without knowing if parliament approves.
Basically, if the coalition agreement is violated, two questions arise: Is there confidence in the three names within the government plan to find a candidate? Or to appoint another candidate? If there is no confidence, is there still a mandate from the people? Or is Aruba heading toward new elections in 2027?