During a completely packed meeting at the Party House, major announcements were made by Party Leader Mike Eman. AVP Leader and Prime Minister Mike Eman announced tonight two historic decisions of great importance that mark the beginning of a new chapter for the AVP and for Aruba.
Eman announced that during the AVP Leadership Congress in September 2026, he will hand over the party leadership to a new generation. Additionally, he communicated that he will end his tenure as Prime Minister of Aruba on January 1, 2027. With this decision, an era comes to a close in which Eman led the AVP for twenty-five years and held the position of Prime Minister during three different governing periods.
Mike Eman’s political career will go down in history with major records: Mike Eman is Aruba’s highest vote-getter since Status Aparte and led the AVP party to 13 seats, which is another electoral record since Status Aparte. His achievements in government remain etched in history; major changes were realized in the economic, social, and infrastructural fields. His vision for the Dutch Kingdom remains the most inspiring of all time. His love for working for those with fewer resources knows no equal. A leader with vision and passion who will serve as an example for generations to come. From the moment he entered politics until today, he has been a bastion of hope. His electoral result in preferential votes at number 29 will also likely remain a record for a long time, difficult to equal.
In a speech marked by gratitude, reflection, and confidence in the future, Eman spoke about the responsibility that leadership carries with it. Eman emphasized that over the next 6 months, he hopes to complete several important social projects for the most vulnerable in our community and also for the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
In his speech, he highlighted the substantial increases for pensioners that were achieved as an important commitment of the AVP during the elections. The increase in social assistance (bijstand) and the medical package were also completed. Eman also shared information about the recent decision to increase the repair allowance (reparatietoeslag) for those with a salary below Afl. 2500.00. Eman expressed that over the next 6 months, he also hopes to reach an agreement with social partners to link the minimum wage to the “existential minimum” (bestaansminimum). Currently, the minimum wage is Afl. 500.00 below the existential minimum. The proposal is to link the minimum wage amount to the existential minimum within three years. “Never again should a person on minimum wage have a budget deficit to achieve a just life.”
Furthermore, Eman will focus on passing the law through Parliament together with colleague Mervin Wyatt-Ras—which they have now sent to the Advisory Council (Raad van Advies)—to provide financial aid to families with special needs children. In the same context, he announced a monthly increase of Afl. 100.00 in social assistance for the disabled to help cover the rising cost of living. Eman also stated that he hopes to kick off MFA San Nicolas during these 6 months, as well as the renovation of Beatrixschool and Julianaschool. He also pointed to the improvements realized for school teachers.
Eman closed the evening by emphasizing that true leadership consists not only of serving and building, but also of preparing a new generation in time to take on tomorrow’s responsibilities.
“No leader is greater than the purpose they serve. The strength of AVP has always been that it looks beyond individuals and generations.”
Eman took a moment to recognize the many people who supported and accompanied him throughout his political career: party members, volunteers, leaders, elected representatives, ministers, family members, and, above all, the People of Aruba. He expressed his deep gratitude for the trust placed in him over so many years and said it has been an extraordinary privilege to serve his country during periods of great challenges and important moments in Aruba’s national development.
At the same time, he emphasized that his transition as party leader in September and as Prime Minister at the end of the year does not mean a farewell to the ideals to which he has dedicated his life.
“My responsibility to Aruba does not end with a position or a title. My love for our country, my faith in our people, and my connection to AVP remain the same. After January 1, 2027, I will also continue to dedicate my heart and soul to the party, to our community, and to the well-being of Aruba.”
With the Leadership Congress in September and the transition of the Prime Minister’s office on January 1, 2027, AVP consciously takes a step toward generational renewal, while remaining faithful to the values that have guided the party since its foundation: service, responsibility, solidarity, and love for Aruba.
