It is truly incomprehensible that after two months, the AVP faction still has not taken a clear stance on the Kingdom Law for Sustainable Public Finances of Aruba (HOFA). The people of Aruba deserve to know what the largest coalition party truly thinks about such a fundamental issue for our country’s autonomy and financial responsibility.
It is clear that the Futuro party, during the election campaign, openly supported a Kingdom law, promoting a model of financial control from the Kingdom. But the AVP, with its long history and political experience, has never supported such a stance. In the past, the party has always defended that Aruba itself must maintain control over its own finances, without dependence on the Netherlands.
Now that AVP is in government together with Futuro, the situation is different. It appears that, in order to keep the coalition together, AVP is bowing its head, setting aside its principles, and going along with the direction Futuro wants to take — namely, approving the HOFA Kingdom Law. That is a government decision — but the AVP faction itself remains silent, after two months of review and analysis. Are they for it, or against it?
This silence is incomprehensible and sends a clear message: Futuro is setting the direction, and AVP lacks the courage to stand up for its most basic principles. The AVP faction must realize that the entire people are listening and watching. They have heard De Meza, who did stand firm for the principles the party has always defended. The AVP must realize that a party that loses its voice in government also loses its credibility with the people.
Aruba needs leadership with a voice — not silence born of fear!
Press release: MEP