There is a big difference between a minister who disagrees with Parliament and a minister who simply does not answer or respect Parliament’s function. According to PPA faction leader Eduard Pieters, Aruba is heading in a very dangerous direction under this governance.
During the press conference regarding the changes in basic education published on a FUTURO website, Pieters expressed that his main concern is no longer just the content of the reform. For Pieters, the problem is much deeper: the Government is losing the habit of accounting to Parliament.
Education is just another example
Pieters emphasized that PPA is not against the reform in public schools to create a more inclusive educational system. On the contrary, the party supports changes that will truly improve Aruba’s education. But, according Pieters, no reform can achieve success if the Government does not prepare the teacher and implement the educational foundation needed to put the change into practice. However, PPA’s concerns regarding various aspects of education have found no space or hearing, while a number of teachers have been knocking on doors since he has been minister and certainly after the latest announcement.
“We are not looking for a show. We are looking for dialogue.” According to Pieters, the PPA faction has repeatedly sought dialogue with the Ministry of Education. Not only through written questions, but also in committee meetings, where there are no cameras, no press, and the atmosphere is much calmer to hold a constructive discussion with the minister in question and contribute to improving the quality of education.
Yet, according to the MP, even under these circumstances, the Government has not shown sufficient willingness to answer the questions and concerns presented by Parliament. For Pieters, this shows that the problem is not political. The problem is a lack of availability and constitutional responsibility to account.
Pieters reminded that in a Rule of Law, ministers are not doing Parliament a favor when they must come to account before Parliament. They must fulfill a constitutional duty. “In our Constitution, the minister is accountable to Parliament. Not Parliament to the minister.”
According to Pieters, Parliament cannot become an institution that has to keep insisting to get answers, while ministers keep postponing meetings or avoiding dialogue with the legal representatives of the people.
A President of Parliament must protect the institution
Pieters also appealed to the President of Parliament to exercise the authority provided by the office. According to Pieters, it is not about confronting ministers, but about protecting the dignity of Parliament. Instead of continuing to postpone meetings, he proposed a clearer system: present different available dates and ask the minister to choose one.
“A President of Parliament does not have to beg for a minister to come. They must demand that the Government fulfill its constitutional obligation.”
For Pieters, respect for Parliament is not a matter of protocol. It is a democratic principle.
A government that does not listen to Parliament eventually does not listen to the people
For the PPA faction leader, this whole process goes far beyond a change in the educational system. It is a reflection of how the Government views Parliament.
If ministers are not willing to dialogue, do not answer questions, and do not consider constructive criticism, Parliament’s ability to control the Government weakens. And when democratic control weakens, the people lose. A government that is not willing to listen to Parliament begins to lose its compass. Because Parliament does not represent a political party. Parliament represents the people of Aruba.