Government silence halts Ombudsman and Student Loan laws
Member of Parliament Edgard Vrolijk makes an urgent appeal to the Eman Cabinet to fulfill its constitutional obligation to provide answers to Parliament. Currently, two (2) legislative initiatives of paramount importance for the rule of law and the future of our youth remain completely stalled due to the silence and inaction of the responsible ministers.
According to MP Vrolijk, this delay not only hinders Parliament’s oversight and legislative functions, but directly harms citizens and young professionals awaiting structural reforms.
- Anchoring the Ombudsman in the Constitution The first legislative initiative seeks to anchor the Institute of the Ombudsman in the Constitution of Aruba as a High Council of State, on par with the Advisory Council (Raad van Advies) and the General Audit Chamber (Algemene Rekenkamer). This step aims to guarantee its structural independence, protect citizens against maladministration, and strengthen the democratic framework in accordance with international standards.
Currently, this process is completely stalled:
- Inaction of the Prime Minister: For more than nine (9) months, the official position and view (zienswijze) of Prime Minister Mike Eman have been awaited. This lack of response prevents Parliament from moving forward and executing its legislative duty.
- Support of Parliament: The next step in the process is to gauge the sentiment (gevoelens) of Parliament within the Central Committee. Vrolijk emphasizes that if the proposal does not receive the minimum required support, the process will stop there. However, for Parliament to properly evaluate the matter and reach a final decision, the official response and stance of the Prime Minister is a fundamental prerequisite.
- Student Loan Forgiveness Law (Studielening) The second legislative initiative, the Landsverordening studieleningen, proposes a comprehensive modernization and reform of the student loan system. This proposal introduces a 50% loan forgiveness (kwijtschelding) for graduates, benefiting both young individuals who stayed to study in Aruba and those who studied abroad and returned to work and contribute to our country’s socio-economic development.
This law also faces hurdles from the Government:
- Lack of response from the Cabinet: Answers from Ministers Wendrick Cicilia, Gerlien Croes, and Geoffrey Wever have been pending for more than three (3) months. This inaction halts a crucial bill designed to provide substantial financial relief and equal opportunities to our young professionals.
- End to discrimination: Vrolijk remarks that this bill is vital because it eliminates current discrimination against students who choose to pursue higher education locally in Aruba. The proposal guarantees that both local students and those who studied abroad receive the same financial incentives and benefits.
Conclusion and Demand The ministers’ refusal to answer these official questions obstructs the democratic and legislative process of our country. As the initiator of these two crucial bills, MP Edgard Vrolijk demands that the ministers submit their responses immediately. The proceedings in the Central Committee and on the floor of Parliament must be allowed to continue without further delay, as Aruba’s progress and well-being cannot wait. Parliament must be enabled to do its job; government inaction cannot continue to block the progress our citizens deserve.