The minister failed to explain to the people anything about the process, content, or consequences of the HOFA Kingdom Law for Aruba.
The people of Aruba are very disappointed in Minister Gerlien Croes.
After finally calling a public meeting in Parliament to inform the people about the HOFA Kingdom Law, it was disheartening to see that the Minister of Kingdom Relations, Gerlien Croes, used most of her speaking time in the first round for political posturing and blaming others.
She seemed unaware that a large part of the population is tired of cheap politics and had simply been waiting to hear her clear explanation of the process, the content, and the consequences of this law.
No explanation of the process
It was truly disappointing to see that Minister Croes did not take even a moment to explain the process — the content of the law, its key articles, or the steps involved in incorporating the draft legislation.
Nor did she explain why the draft was sent to the Kingdom Council of Ministers without first informing Parliament, which represents the people of Aruba.
No explanation of the content
Minister Croes also failed to clarify the IMF’s advice regarding fiscal standards and their relevance and importance for both the draft law and the existing financial supervision under Aruba’s LAFT legislation.
She offered no explanation as to why her ministry deviated from the IMF’s recommendation to keep the standards simple.
Even more disappointing was her silence regarding the motion passed by Parliament—a body she herself was once part of—which demanded that the HOFA Kingdom Law not undermine Parliament’s authority, that Aruba’s debt be refinanced, and that a clear exit clause be included.
Now, none of these three points have been respected, and Minister Croes provided no explanation whatsoever.
For instance, the exit clause includes 20 conditions that Aruba must meet to exit the HOFA framework, yet Croes failed to explain what those conditions actually mean in practice or how many years it would take for Aruba to comply with them.
The people are disappointed in Gerlien Croes
It is evident how much important information the minister withheld from the public.
She chose to spend her valuable time engaging in political blame games rather than taking responsibility, being transparent, and properly informing the people.
The public is deeply disappointed in Minister Gerlien Croes’ substandard performance during the public meeting on the HOFA Kingdom Law.
Press release: MEP