Everyone in Aruba is voicing their opinion on the Consensus Kingdom Law HOFA. Even you have one — yet the AVP faction remains silent. We see them everywhere: at events, at ribbon-cuttings, smiling proudly in photos. But when it comes to a fundamental issue concerning the autonomy of our country, there is only silence in the palace.
It is truly incomprehensible that, after two months, the AVP faction still cannot take a clear stance on the Kingdom Law on Sustainable Public Finances of Aruba (HOFA). They asked for two weeks to read the law, and after that — nothing. Total silence. One of them even said: “We are waiting for the Council of State (RvS) to speak first.”
But the people of Aruba did not vote for the Council of State. The people voted for you, for your political party. It is your duty to defend the interests of Aruba, not those of the RvS.
So what now? Are you telling me that a parliamentary faction has to wait for a Dutch institution to speak before forming its own opinion? Let’s be serious — this comes down to two possibilities:
1. Either they don’t understand the law;
2. Or they don’t want to take political responsibility.
And that shows a lack of respect for the people they represent.
Fastball
Their own Minister of Finance threw them a fastball, deliberately sending the draft law to The Hague before Parliament could even review it. Even then, the AVP faction swallowed it quietly, allowing Minister Wever and her party to steer the ship however they please — Geoffrey’s puppets.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom Law is sitting on the table, yet there is no government providing information, no coalition MP informing the public, and certainly no one voicing an opinion.
Let’s be honest: if this Kingdom Law were truly beneficial, why did the AVP itself — in its own report before entering government — condemn it?
And if the law is so positive, why is AVP veteran Mr. De Meza openly against it?
It seems that to keep the coalition afloat, the AVP faction prefers to stay silent, set aside its principles, and follow the direction dictated by the Futuro party.
While AVP stays silent, the people speak
Geoffrey and Gerlien may be able to silence the AVP, but they cannot silence a people who love their country.
The unions of Aruba and Bonaire have already sent official letters clearly stating their opposition to the law — and explaining why.
Professors Nicolai and Elzinga have also declared that the law poses a threat to Aruba’s financial autonomy, and have even demonstrated in detail how it violates our constitution.
The MEP, PPA, and MP De Meza are against it.
Ten thousand citizens have signed in opposition as well.
And the AVP parliamentarians? Silent.
Ask yourself this:
Where does AVP-Futuro stand?
On your side — or on the side of a Kingdom Law that limits your rights?
The AVP is showing Aruba a faction that is big in photos, but small in words.
A faction that is buying time out of fear that the smaller party might pull the plug on the coalition — leaving AVP with no Futuro.