When a room is full of questions, concerns, and suggestions, one thing is clear: the people want information and they want to participate. This was precisely the outcome of the information night on HOFA and LWHO, organized by the PPA Faction. According to faction leader Eduard Pieters, the primary goal was not debate or partisan politics. The goal was simple: to provide information and listen to what the community has to say. And that was achieved.
During two hours of information and exchange, merchants and representatives from different sectors asked relevant questions, shared concerns, and offered suggestions that now form part of the information that parliamentarians can use in their work.
“We did not only give information. We also received information,” Pieters emphasized.
A dialogue that produced results Pieters expressed his gratitude to all the merchants and those present who took the time to actively participate during this evening. According to Pieters, the contribution of the commercial sector is of incalculable value, because it is precisely this group that feels the daily impact of the economic and financial decisions made by Parliament.
The PPA leader also thanked Drs. Jose Fernandes, who assumed the role of moderator in a very professional, impartial, and respectful manner, ensuring that the meeting proceeded in an atmosphere of order and mutual respect. Special recognition also went to the faction leader of the MEP, who accepted the invitation to participate and share information with the audience present.
If HOFA passes, Aruba still has a decisive role During the meeting, one of the central questions was: what happens if HOFA finally passes in the Tweede Kamer (Dutch House of Representatives)? According to Pieters, this point must be placed in its proper context. “The moment the Dutch Parliament makes a decision, that decision must be based on complete and correct information. Not on perceptions or political pressure.”
Pieters emphasized that even if the Consensusrijkswet (Kingdom Consensus Law) HOFA passes in the Netherlands, the Parliament of Aruba still has a fundamental role. Without the approval of the local law—namely the Landsverordening Waarborging Houdbare Overheidsfinanciën (LWHO)—the detailed elaboration and practical execution of HOFA will not happen.
Information does not damage democracy, it strengthens it For the PPA Faction, the main takeaway of the evening was the confirmation of a simple yet powerful principle: information is never a threat to democracy. A well-informed people is a people that can take conscious positions. And that is precisely why, according to Pieters, dialogue, participation, and transparency must continue to occupy a central place in the national discussion regarding HOFA, autonomy, and the future of Aruba.