The parliamentary faction of the Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP) has submitted two important letters to the Governor of Aruba, highlighting two key issues that carry great significance for the democracy and autonomy of the country.
The first letter concerns the decision of the current government (AVP–Futuro) not to appoint a Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba in the Netherlands.
In the letter, the MEP faction emphasizes that the Minister Plenipotentiary plays a vital role in maintaining the relations within the Kingdom and representing Aruba’s interests in the Netherlands.
The faction also notes that approximately 700 parliamentary questions submitted by MEP have remained unanswered by the government.
The MEP urges the Governor, within his constitutional role, to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Parliament of Aruba receives timely information and transparency, thereby restoring proper parliamentary oversight.
In the second letter, the MEP expresses serious concern regarding the process surrounding the proposed Kingdom Act on Sustainable Public Finances of Aruba (HOFA).
According to the faction, the Minister of Kingdom Relations, Mrs. Gerlien Croes, signed and agreed to the content of this Kingdom Act with the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom (Rijksministerraad) on August 13th, without prior approval from the Council of Ministers of Aruba and without the consent of the Parliament of Aruba.
The MEP considers this to be a sign of disrespect toward Aruba’s highest constitutional institutions and a breach of transparency and accountability principles.
In its letter, the faction reiterates its firm opposition to the HOFA, stating that this Kingdom law limits Aruba’s democratic autonomy by transferring financial decision-making power to the Kingdom level (i.e., the Netherlands), thereby placing it beyond the direct control of the Aruban people.
The MEP reminds that over 10,000 citizens have signed a petition opposing the HOFA, and that 13 trade unions, representing thousands of workers, have submitted a position paper to the government expressing their objections to the law while advocating for a locally negotiated alternative.
The MEP concludes by expressing hope that the Governor will ensure that the principles of transparency, due process, and respect for the role of Parliament are upheld within Aruba’s democratic framework.
Press release: (MEP)
