Don Ceder, a member of the Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) for the ChristenUnie party, has expressed concerns regarding the proposed Kingdom Law on the Court of Law Enforcement (HOFA). During a conversation with the Aruban political party PPA (led by Eduard Pietersz), Ceder emphasized that the democratic legitimacy of the Parliament of Aruba (Staten) must not be jeopardized by interventions from the Kingdom Council of Ministers.
Although the final text of the law has not yet reached the House, ChristenUnie is closely monitoring the developments surrounding HOFA. The core of the discussion lies in whether this new kingdom law constitutes too great an infringement on the budgetary rights of the Aruban parliament. “We ask ourselves if this does not excessively affect the parliament’s legitimacy to determine its own budget,” Ceder stated. According to the MP, it is essential for Aruba to maintain control over its own financial frameworks.
Beyond substantive objections, there is also criticism regarding the procedure followed. There are signals that communication between the Government of Aruba, the Parliament, and the Kingdom Council of Ministers (RMR) has been difficult. Ceder promised to take these signals seriously once the debate begins in The Hague.
“When we handle a law, we discuss everything: the content, but also the process. For us, it is essential that the correct democratic paths are followed,” Ceder explained.
The Dutch MP is currently awaiting the final text and the corresponding advice from the Council of State (Raad van State). Only based on those documents will ChristenUnie provide a final judgment. Ceder openly questioned the current urgency of this kingdom law and whether the stated objectives could be achieved in a less invasive manner.
Despite the critical questions regarding the law, Ceder spoke with praise about the relationship between the Netherlands and Aruba. He described the bond as “warm” and lauded the economic independence the island has built since its Status Aparte.
“Aruba has shown, following the heavy blow of the COVID pandemic, how resilient its people are,” Ceder said. He emphasized his responsibility to carefully consider Aruba’s specific context and interests in every legislative trajectory. He concluded his message to the island with a hopeful greeting: “Know that from the House of Representatives, we try to think in the interest of Aruba, and I hope to visit Aruba again soon.”