During the 36th Kingdom Congress in the Netherlands, where Aruba was represented by Minister Geoffrey Wever, a situation arose that concerned and alarmed all islanders in the Kingdom. During a session in which the current minister of Aruba gave a presentation alongside the Cft president, he highlighted that the Aruban government is effectively ‘selling’ an independent supervisory body to all other Caribbean islands. For the PPA faction, this is an alarming signal: a minister should not act as a salesman for the Cft or a Rijkswet, as this could jeopardize Aruba’s autonomy and self-determination.
A good presentation with a dangerous ending
According to Pieters, during the two days of the congress, Minister Wever presented a positive financial outlook: Aruba is emerging from debt, external debt has decreased over five years from 127% during the pandemic to around 60% now; there is a consistent surplus; Aruba complies with the LAft and the 1% surplus standard; the economy is growing and stable. Everyone heard: Aruba is on a good path with its financial management.
“But at the end of the presentation, a dangerous turn occurred: Minister Wever indicated that the government is ready and convinced to place Aruba under a Rijkswet for financial supervision. This caused a shock in the room.” The most pressing question was: “If Aruba is doing so well, why should we place ourselves under a Rijkswet? Why doesn’t Aruba choose to continue strengthening its own Landsverordening, evaluate it, and see how the LAft can be adjusted?”
Curaçao and Sint Maarten warn that Aruba cannot ignore this
The Minister of Curaçao raised his hand and gave a clear message to Aruba: “Reconsider the question of a Rijkswet. Once you place yourself in such a structure, you will never come out!” The delegations from the other islands asked the same questions and cannot believe Aruba is willing to hand over its autonomy and self-determination:
· “How is it possible that Aruba, preparing to celebrate 40 years of Status Aparte, decides to pursue a Rijkswet, just now that things are finally stable?”
· Sint Maarten repeated their experience: “Once under the RAFT, you can practically never leave it.”
· “Why would one go against such a positive development, leave local law, and adopt a Rijkswet where ultimately the Netherlands decides? This is not development and growth for a country in the Kingdom.”
According to them, the path Aruba is following puts its autonomy and political-financial maturity under unnecessary pressure.
PPA Alternative: Budget Chamber yes, Rijkswet no!
The PPA faction has already submitted a Minority Note, based on consultations with councils and experts, offering a concrete alternative: establishing an independent budget chamber embedded in local law, engaging in serious dialogue with the Netherlands to safeguard interests and strengthen budgetary discipline, without placing Aruba under the Rijkswet HOFA and halting the Rijkswet process.
“No other political party proposed this; this is exactly the type of solution needed.”
Press Release PPA
