In an interview on Enfoke Tuesday afternoon, Otmar Oduber, former PPA parliamentarian and current advisor to the PPA faction, made strong remarks.
During his forceful statement in the public meeting on the HOFA Kingdom Law, the leader of the Partido Patriotico Arubano (PPA), Otmar Oduber, made the situation crystal clear:
“The discussion about HOFA — I don’t want to talk about who signed or didn’t sign — I want to talk about a process that shows a lack of respect for Parliament and for the people of Aruba.”
Oduber recalled that the meeting requested by the PPA since January 30 finally took place today, after months of silence — a clear sign of the lack of democracy and transparency in our parliamentary system.
A motion that betrays the people
During Tuesday’s session, both the AVP and FUTURO factions submitted a motion recognizing the Administrative Agreement signed in 2024 by former Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes.
“Read carefully what’s in the motion: they declare that Aruba’s Parliament agrees with the same agreement made with the Netherlands and officially recognizes a signature that took place without national consensus,” Oduber emphasized.
According to him, this is an act of political contradiction and surrender, since the same parties that always claimed Aruba could not escape HOFA because of the 2024 letter are now ratifying that Parliament agrees with it.
“That makes no sense whatsoever. It’s pure politics and a betrayal of the people,” Oduber added.
A process without a government decision, without respect for Parliament
Oduber referred to a crucial document: the Dutch instruction issued by the State Secretary, which, according to official data, resulted in an agreement with the Aruban government on August 13, 2025, and was discussed in the Kingdom Council of Ministers on August 29.
“How is it possible that a member of Parliament – even those supporting the government – admits that there was no Council of Ministers decision before sending this agreement?” Oduber asked firmly.
“Who is the minister who sent this without Council approval? You can’t put anything on the Council’s agenda without a formal decision.”
He stressed that this process is illegitimate and disorganized: the Dutch Parliament (Tweede Kamer) was informed, but the Aruban Parliament, the legitimate representative of the Aruban people, received no official document.
HOFA: A law that takes more than it gives
According to Oduber, HOFA is not an offer of assistance but an instrument of control over Aruba.
“They talk about 24 million florins per year, but you give away your constitutional autonomy. This is a transaction no proud people could accept.”
He emphasized that if Aruba wants to finance education or other projects, under this law it must request permission from the Netherlands. “This eliminates Aruba’s financial independence. And that’s not progress — it’s regression.”
A final call: unite and stand firm for Aruba
Oduber thanked the 16 unions and business associations that signed on to support a single vision: Aruba.
There is no time to lose, he stressed, and Aruba has only two options:
Pass a clear motion in Parliament stating that Aruba does not agree with HOFA and seek a majority to support that national stance.
Use the legal path under Articles 15 and 16 of the Kingdom Charter, via an official note from Aruba’s Plenipotentiary Minister, to formally register Aruba’s objection with the Dutch Parliament and the Kingdom Council of Ministers.
However, Oduber warned that without an active Plenipotentiary Minister, Aruba is being placed in a position of checkmate — without a voice or real vote within the Kingdom.
“It’s time we take control of our own destiny. Aruba’s autonomy is not a favor, but a right our ancestors earned through struggle and sacrifice. The PPA will continue to stand firm for Aruba, for its people, and for its dignity.
We will not surrender Aruba out of fear or political promises. It’s time to stand tall and unite as a nation to defend our autonomy, our constitution, and our future.”
– Otmar Oduber, Leader of the PPA
Press release: PPA