The leader of the MEP parliamentary faction, Evelyn Wever-Croes, gave a detailed explanation of the reasons why the MEP faction voted against the Investment Fund that was approved in Parliament by a minimal majority of just 11 votes. Wever-Croes emphasized that MEP is not against investment—on the contrary, parties generate surpluses precisely to invest in Aruba’s needs—but disapproved of the irresponsible manner and financial risks that this fund brings with it.
The MEP faction supports investment in the country and recognizes that there are many important items on the investment agenda. However, a fund must be managed in a responsible and transparent manner.
The presented fund comes with a project wish list from the ministers totaling 59.5 million florins, yet the Government only has 33 million florins in actual available resources. This creates a direct deficit of 26 million florins within the fund, something MEP cannot support given the painful consequences that the deficits and mega-debts of previous cabinets (Mike Eman 1 and 2) left for the country.
The second major concern is that this fund removes the necessary control and oversight of the legislative body:
The project list lacks a clear sequence and was not properly submitted to the Evaluation Committee required by law.