Since yesterday, we began the discussion of the LIM (Landsverordening Instellingsbesluit Minister) and today we are moving toward the final result. A process that was supposed to strengthen governance and clarify responsibilities has ended in confusion, lack of institutional respect, and is a worrying signal for Aruba’s future. The Council of Advice provided a clear recommendation: the law, as it was formulated, should not have been presented to Parliament. The government had an obligation to adjust the law according to the advice of the Council of Advice, but unfortunately, this did not happen.
Ignoring the Voice of the Independent Body
“The government decided to proceed with the LIM without taking into account or respecting the advice of an independent body, whose main mission is to safeguard the general welfare of Aruba. This is not a minor detail, as this form of action touches the backbone of our democratic system. When advice is only considered after the fact, governance loses credibility,” Eduard Pieters expressed.
Overloaded Portfolios, Weakened Leadership
According to Pieters: “A clear example is the distribution of portfolios under Minister Gerlien Croes. Education, a critical portfolio for human development and the future of our generations, has been combined with sports, youth, and Relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. All of these require attention, structure, and firm leadership. When you overload a ministry, you put the quality of governance at risk.”
For Pieters, it is also unacceptable that a Prime Minister, Mike Eman, carries a “pret package,” spending time on symbolic actions in neighborhoods instead of focusing on the strategic direction of our country. We have seen this in the past, when he did not understand the difference between campaigning and governing.
A Coalition Marriage Filled with Distrust
In the AVP–FUTURO relationship, trust plays an extremely large role. Proposals such as a state secretary, pension increases, and the appointment of a Minister Plenipotentiary have been blocked. Today we see the contradiction: the AVP fraction submits a motion urging the government to appoint a Minister Plenipotentiary, while FUTURO resists. What is really happening?
“According to the 2022 LIM, Kingdom Affairs fell under the General Affairs Ministry. But with the new LIM, the responsibility shifted to Minister Croes. This clearly explains the pressure to appoint a ‘watchdog’ from the AVP party, a clear sign of internal distrust. The debate, including questions from parliamentarian Lindor, reveals a government in total turmoil.”
A Call for Strong Leadership
Finally, Eduard Pieters urges that Aruba needs a crucial approach in its relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Today more than ever, we need strong leadership with experience, vision, and respect for our independent institutions. Ignoring the advice of the Council of Advice is a sign of concentrating power without legal balance, leading to political disorder, which puts our future at risk. Governance is not a game of power or oversight of colleagues. Governance is a responsibility, and the people of Aruba deserve nothing less than seriousness, respect, and clear direction.