The meeting, which started Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. and ended Tuesday at 3:00 a.m., provided a clear demonstration of commitment, transparency, and leadership in our country. With four important budgets on the table — the Council of Advice (RvA), the Ombudsman, the General Audit Chamber, and the Parliament of Aruba — this marathon meeting was not merely a technical process but an act of democratic strength. As the PPA faction, Eduard Pieters hopes that Parliament will soon take a positive and responsible step regarding its functioning as parliamentarians.
RvA: Strengthening independent oversight and advice
One of the most significant achievements is the decision to allocate funds for a budget office within the Council of Advice. The PPA faction was one of the main promoters of this idea, precisely to strengthen oversight of public spending and to provide Parliament with a solid technical and expert foundation. An independent budget office is essential for a small country like Aruba, where decisions under local law should be based on thorough analysis rather than political preference. According to Eduard: “This step shows that we can move forward and firmly in the direction of transparency and good governance. It places Parliament in a better position to carry out its work ‘properly and transparently’ without depending on a Dutch body.”
Ombudsman: Preparing the ground for a ‘Children’s Ombudsman’
The Ombudsman’s budget also received proper attention. “We understand that next year it will be possible to introduce a Children’s Ombudsman. This is certainly an achievement that represents a major and important step for the protection of children’s rights in Aruba. In a country where children’s well-being must be sacred, the creation of an institution that specifically defends their voice is an extremely important development,” Eduard stated.
Independent institutions: Pillars of our democracy
“If we look at our Constitution, we are talking about the highest institutions that protect our democracy and provide checks on other public powers. Today’s marathon meeting confirms once again that our democratic system is alive and strengthening itself. Oversight, transparency, and critical evaluation are fundamental for solid governance.”
Parliament of Aruba: Taking responsibility and looking ahead
“During the discussion on the Parliament’s budget, we, as faction leader and member of the CHA, presented our points regarding the operation and current functioning of the Parliament. We identified where we are doing well and where things can be improved,” Eduard continued. According to Pieters, there is much work to be done, and the competent committee must become active and get to work in the coming year. “An effective Parliament is the foundation of a strong country, and this is a responsibility we take very seriously as a party.”
The marathon meeting was not just a budget evaluation, but a reaffirmation of our commitment as a people and as political leaders. Our democracy is alive, our oversight is being strengthened, and our first steps toward the future are moving in the right direction. Aruba deserves a system that is transparent, responsible, and focused on the well-being of its citizens — and today we have taken a firm step in that direction.
Press release: PPA