Parliamentarian Dangui Oduber has voiced serious concern about the way the Rijkswet HOFA (Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision) has been handled. According to Oduber, the law was submitted to the Netherlands without following the proper parliamentary procedures required in Aruba.
Oduber stated that the ministers responsible for the law have yet to provide the Parliament of Aruba with all the necessary documents. He described this as “a clear lack of respect” for both the parliamentary institution and the Aruban people. According to him, the government appears to be acting as if it were superior to Parliament — contrary to the constitutional principle that Parliament oversees the executive branch.
“The government is making decisions behind Parliament’s back, in violation of established laws and agreements,” Oduber said. He added that this reflects “irresponsible governance” by the AVP–FUTURO coalition.
Controversy also surrounds Marlon Sneek, the President of Parliament, whom Oduber accuses of following the government’s lead instead of defending the independence of the legislative body. Critics have described his actions as a form of parliamentary censorship.
“It is regrettable that the President of Parliament stands behind the government instead of upholding transparency and democratic integrity,” Oduber stated. “By silencing the voices of parliamentarians who speak for the people, he is putting the country’s democracy at risk.”
The debate over the Rijkswet HOFA has reignited concerns among citizens about democratic checks and balances in Aruba, with many warning that the country may be drifting toward a more authoritarian style of governance.