During yesterday’s public meeting on the Rijkswet HOFA, requested by the Partido Patriotico Arubano (PPA) faction since January 30, parliamentarian Eduard Pieters voiced his strong and direct concern.
“As a member of Parliament, I requested a point of order, yet it was ignored. This is yet another clear example of the lack of parliamentary democracy reigning in Aruba,” Pieters declared.
He reminded the chamber that since January 30, the PPA faction had formally requested a meeting dedicated solely to discussing the trajectory of a Rijkswet. The lack of respect, he said, is based on Article 23, Section 4 of the Rules of Order, which stipulates that when a member of Parliament, together with another colleague, requests such a meeting, it must be held within 30 days — not seven months later.
A government that chooses to turn a deaf ear to its people:
According to Pieters, the Government of Aruba chose to send the draft HOFA law to the Netherlands, excluding all the conditions and debates that Aruba itself had defended during the IPKO in 2022.
“We cannot understand how Aruba itself failed to reach consensus before deciding to send the draft to the Netherlands. The process lacks transparency and shows no respect for our people,” he added.
Pieters referred to the united front of labor unions and business associations, who are urging the Parliament of Aruba to respond with dignity and patriotism to the call of their representatives — the people.
“How is it possible,” he asked, “that Parliament, the house and the voice of the people, receives neither the respect nor the attention it deserves on a matter that concerns us all?”
HOFA: A direct threat to our autonomy
In his speech, Pieters strongly emphasized his total rejection of the Rijkswet HOFA, describing it as a legal instrument that undermines Aruba’s financial and constitutional autonomy.
“It is a Kingdom Law that grants the Kingdom Council of Ministers the authority to intervene in Aruba’s internal financial affairs. This means handing over our sovereignty in exchange for money,” he stated.
He reminded that Aruba’s constitutional and financial rights are being compromised by the conditions imposed by the Netherlands, which have no basis in Aruba’s Constitution.
“This law contradicts our constitution and raises serious questions about the legitimacy of our autonomy. Today, I stand to defend the struggle of our early political leaders — Juancho Irausquin, Shon A. Eman, Betico Croes, Henny Eman, and Nelson Oduber — who fought for the words: ‘Pa ta baas den nos mes cas’ (‘To be master in our own house’).”
A clear message: PPA stands for Aruba
“Our autonomy is not for sale, nor for surrender. The PPA stands firm in defending Aruba’s constitutional rights,” Pieters concluded.
In a Parliament dominated by fear and silence, the PPA will remain the voice of resistance and patriotism.
“I stand here for Aruba — to defend our Constitution, our Kingdom Charter, and above all, the dignity and struggle of our people.”
Press release: Partido Patriotico Arubano (PPA)
