With the start of the 2026-2027 parliamentary year, Aruba enters a new stage of socio-economic transformation. Supported by the Governor’s speech, this year promises high-impact changes for the country. Against this backdrop, Member of Parliament Carlos Bermudez of the AVP faction emphasizes that the Parliament of Aruba must demonstrate a high level of political maturity, where coalition and government work together to ensure citizens receive what they deserve.
Economic Growth and Purchasing Power
One of the fundamental pillars for this period is for the country’s economic growth to be directly reflected in the pockets of the people:
- Elimination of medication costs: Funds that citizens previously spent on this expense now remain in their pockets.
- Reparatietoeslag (Relief allowance): Measures that strengthen the purchasing power of families.
- Fuel cost mitigation: In light of international oil price fluctuations, the Government’s decision to absorb 50% of the fuel price increase served to protect local consumers.
Despite these efforts, the MP stresses that pressure to continue lowering the cost of living remains an ongoing priority.
Priorities for the 2026-2027 Parliamentary Term
For this new parliamentary year, legislative and oversight work will remain focused on key areas for societal development:
- Infrastructure: Improvement of the road network (paving), viewed not as a luxury, but as a basic necessity for quality of life.
- Senior Care and Inclusion: Realization of social projects and laws, including improvements for elder care and disability benefits (handicap uitkering), which are on their way to Parliament.
As the highest governing body of the country, Carlos Bermudez notes that Parliament bears the responsibility to act with seriousness and lead by example. Beyond political affiliations, the 21 members of parliament represent the same people. The commitment for this year is to leave sterile discussions behind, firmly and maturely execute government oversight using proper instruments such as question hours and public meetings and work united for the general well-being of Aruba.