There is huge criticism regarding Aruba’s representation in Kingdom meetings. Different opinions in the political arena show concern about how Aruba is represented in the meetings of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom (RMR), where the proposed HOFA Kingdom Law is being discussed. Critics point out that the discussion on the law is taking place while a segment of the Aruban community opposes the HOFA law as it currently stands.
More than ten thousand people have expressed opposition to the proposed Kingdom law, which has generated broad debate about the process and the level of consensus on the topic. At the same time, some voices criticize that communication with the public is not sufficiently clear.
Debate About the Role of the Minister of Kingdom Relations
The discussion also focuses on the role of Gerlien Croes, whom the government presented as Minister of Kingdom Relations. Critics argue that this position creates confusion, because, according to their interpretation, the formal responsibility for Kingdom relations remains under the office of Mike Eman as Prime Minister. Since it did not pass in parliament and was not signed by the Governor, the position remained unresolved, and all ministers continue to operate according to the portfolios of the previous government.
This situation could create a confusing image in international Kingdom meetings and influence the perception of Aruba’s representation.
Concern About Trust in Politics
Political observers note that the debate contributes to a climate of distrust in politics, something already present in previous years under the AVP government, but now also under FUTURO. It is emphasized that institutional clarity and transparency are important to maintain the country’s credibility both internally and within the Kingdom.
The discussion about the HOFA Kingdom Law, Aruba’s representation, and the role of various ministers continues to generate strong reactions in the political community, with different sectors demanding more communication and clarification on the process.
Recently, a decision was made to finally appoint a Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba in the Netherlands, although according to criticism in the political arena and among the public, this step was initially not part of the plan. The appointment was ultimately made to comply with the law and regulations governing Aruba’s representation in the Netherlands.
However, according to these opinions, the main questions remain about the situation that occurred before the appointment of the Minister Plenipotentiary. Minister of Kingdom Relations Gerlien Croes represented Aruba in the Netherlands in this capacity, even though she did not have formal authority to act in that role.
The situation caused confusion and created a negative image for Aruba in official meetings, where the minister negotiated and spoke on behalf of Aruba. Critics describe the situation as a disgrace for Aruba, both nationally and internationally.
The question that remains now: who is responsible for the decisions made first? It is the opinion that the way the issue was handled has damaged Aruba’s reputation and raised concerns about how the country is represented within the Kingdom.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Youth, Innovation, and Sports sent the former Minister Plenipotentiary home without a replacement, made decisions in Aruba House without Aruba House falling under his ministry, and made decisions together with the Department of Human Resources (DRH) without it officially falling under his portfolio. But all these decisions were made jointly in the Ministerial Council in Aruba, where all ministers agreed that Minister Gerlien Croes would take the steps with the approval of the entire cabinet.
Important Clarification
In the official structure of the Aruban government:
- There is no formal ministry called “Minister of Kingdom Relations.”
- Kingdom affairs are normally under the responsibility of Mike Eman, as Prime Minister of Aruba.
- Aruba also has a Minister Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands, who represents Aruba in the meetings of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom (RMR) and reports directly to the Prime Minister, where decisions must take place.
Therefore, when people say “Minister of Kingdom Relations” for Croes, it usually refers to a role in the cabinet to handle Kingdom affairs, which the Ministerial Council decides and manages. A person may be sent to show or travel on behalf of the minister, but it is not an official separate ministerial title in the government structure.