During today’s public meeting, December 17, 2025, addressing the 2026 Budget, our faction officially submitted a motion of no confidence against Minister Gerlien Croes. The motion demands that the minister make her portfolio immediately available due to serious questions regarding integrity and a lack of transparency.
The main reason for this motion is the trip Minister Croes took on November 19 to Curaçao aboard a private aircraft. Our faction has serious doubts regarding the financing of this trip and the conduct of the minister afterward.
Key points of the motion:
- Lack of Transparency: Minister Croes stated that she personally paid for the trip, but to this day has failed to present proof of payment, including when the payment was made, how much was paid, and to whom.
- Flight Irregularities: The owner of the private aircraft does not hold a commercial permit, which legally means that no payment could have been accepted for the flight.
- Violation of the Code of Conduct: Our faction emphasizes that a private flight is considered a gift of high value. The “Code of Conduct for Ministers (2023)” contains very strict rules regarding the acceptance of gifts in order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.
- Incorrect Information: Our faction accuses the minister of deliberately providing Parliament with incorrect and incomplete information, thereby obstructing the supervisory role of the Staten.
Minister Gerlien, have the honor to step aside!
Our faction considers that the minister has seriously failed in her obligations regarding integrity, transparency, and good governance. These actions have irreparably damaged trust in her person as a minister, leading to this motion of no confidence. Parliament has the sacred duty to oversee the government, and we cannot tolerate a minister who deceives and obstructs democratic oversight. This motion of no confidence is not merely a reprimand; it is a necessary step to protect the seriousness of our governance. It is time for Minister Croes to assume her political responsibility and resign immediately.