On October 27, 2025, 13 trade unions presented their official position regarding the HOFA Kingdom Law.
After reviewing their statement in detail, I fully support the unions in their firm stance and well-founded arguments.
In my view, the unions are among the most important stakeholders.
They represent our private sector workers, our civil servants, and our community as a whole.
They are an essential social partner and have presented a clear and well-argued position with a specific appeal to both government and parliament.
During the public session, I emphasized that the Government of Aruba is deaf and mute to the voice of our unions — a disgraceful insult to one of the pillars of our social democracy!
What message does this send to the workers the unions represent?
That their concerns don’t matter? That their representatives have no value?
The fact remains that, two weeks after receiving the unions’ letter, the government has still not had the decency to invite them for a meeting.
And what are we to make of Minister Gerlien Croes, who, according to the unions themselves, expressed anger over their letter about the HOFA law during a previous meeting and suggested they should “rectify” it?
Is this how unions should be treated — by questioning their intelligence instead of having the decency to open dialogue, discuss their arguments, and seek mutual understanding?
I condemn the government’s lack of respect for the unions.
Let me be clear: No law with such a profound impact on our nation should be passed without the support and input of our social partners, business associations, and without parliamentary consensus, as both the Council of State and the IPKO platform have advised.
The people expect us to always stand ready to defend and represent them — and that sometimes requires courage.
Courage that the MEP has shown on this issue,
that the PPA has shown,
that De Meza from the AVP has demonstrated,
that the unions have shown by presenting their position on October 27, 2025,
and that over 10,000 citizens have shown by signing against the HOFA Kingdom Law.
Unfortunately, the government remains deaf and blind, continuing the process as if nothing is wrong.
My position is clear:
I oppose the HOFA Kingdom Law and condemn the process being led by the AVP–Futuro government.
However, I still hold hope that another path forward is possible.
As a member of parliament, I respond positively to the unions’ call for the government and parliament to speak with one united voice — a voice in favor of equal treatment, mutual trust, and respect for the rights of the Aruban people.
I agree with the unions that as long as our local institutions function properly and financial compliance is evident, there is no legal or economic justification for introducing such a Kingdom Law.
Let us work together to achieve a better deal for Aruba — through modernization of our own Financial Supervision Act (LAft) or, for example, an intergovernmental agreement.
Let us choose the right path: one that protects Aruba’s autonomy and right to self-determination.
Above all, let us strive to end external supervision, because we are capable ourselves.
Press release: MEP