Parliament was at the center of attention this week during the debate on the outcome of the negotiations between Aruba and the Netherlands regarding financial supervision.
A meeting requested by the MEP faction, together with the PPA faction, more than seven months ago, asking the government to provide information about the negotiations with the Netherlands. The meeting was called only after five months, and at that moment Prime Minister Eman informed that the negotiations had already concluded and that the Netherlands had already approved the new laws. As a result, without proper negotiation, the AVP/Futuro government handed over the financial autonomy of our country to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, without informing Parliament and without consulting the people.
The government’s lack of transparency is condemned. In the history of Aruba, never before has a government gone behind Parliament’s back on such a crucial matter for the democracy of our country.
Thus, the character of the meeting shifted from “receiving information about the negotiations” to “giving an opinion on the outcome of the negotiations.”
At the request of the AVP faction, the meeting was postponed for two months so that the AVP could study the law. However, when the meeting reconvened after those two months, it turned out that the AVP faction still had not studied or understood the law and had no opinion on it. Many commented on how weak and poorly prepared the AVP appeared. Their attempt to justify a process they knew was flawed drew criticism even from their own voters, mainly because they constantly hide behind the MEP.
On the other hand, the MEP faction did an outstanding job. The faction leader set the tone for the meeting, and that tone grew stronger with every MEP parliamentarian who spoke. Each elaborated on the technical aspects of the law and, importantly, explained to the citizens following the meeting what the consequences of these laws would be for them. The consequences include that the Government of Aruba will no longer have the final say in financial matters, that the cost of living will continue to rise, and even that the pension age of 65 is at risk if the Netherlands continues pushing for an increase.
The difference in knowledge and experience was clear, but even more so the passion and love for Aruba, its autonomy, and its citizens. The AVP completely neglected this. In fact, the AVP faction appeared very weak, confused, and lost.
On behalf of all MEP voters and the nearly 10,000 signatories, we congratulate the MEP faction. In the hands of the MEP parliamentarians, we can trust the future of our country, and we hope that this Kingdom law will ALSO be removed from the table.
Press release: MEP