For the PPA faction, it is important to emphasize that Aruba is at a dangerous economic moment. Global oil prices are rising due to tensions in the Middle East, transportation costs are increasing (including freight reports showing increases of up to 25%), and international analysts indicate a real risk of a global recession between 30% and 40%. For an island that depends more than 90% on imports, this is not theory—this is reality already reaching the wallets of the people. But according to parliamentarian Eduard Pieters, what is most concerning is not only the global crisis, but the government’s hermetic silence.
The people of Aruba feel the pressure every day. Prices are rising uncontrollably. Food, transportation, construction—everything is becoming more expensive. Yet up to now, the government has not presented a clear plan or a concrete strategy to mitigate the impact. And this is not acceptable.
A real example: how the system is punishing the people
Parliamentarian Eduard Pieters shared a simple but powerful personal example to demonstrate how the current system works against the people. In the construction sector, a concrete mix price changed as follows:
- Two weeks ago: 35 florins
- This week: 55 florins
A direct increase of 20 florins. But that is not all.
Due to the BBO system (turnover tax), the price is multiplied at every step in the supply chain:
- The distributor pays BBO
- The final business pays BBO
- The contractor includes BBO in the final price
Result: An initial increase turns into a cumulative effect that can reach 21% or more on the same product. And according to the commercial sector, given the global situation, prices may continue to rise.
“This is an abuse that our system allows,” Pieters said.
“And the government is doing nothing to soften the blow.”
Government benefits while the people suffer
The reality that many people do not see is that while prices rise, government revenue also rises through the BBO system. This creates a dangerous situation where the people pay more, businesses struggle, but the government collects more funds.
“If you do not act when the people are suffering, but you benefit from the situation, you can be considered nothing less than an abuser,” Pieters emphasized. This is a very serious problem.
Political promises betrayed
During the election campaign, both the Aruban People’s Party (AVP) and the People’s Electoral Movement (MEP) clearly proposed eliminating BBO and introducing BTW (Value Added Tax). But today, after the elections, that change has not happened. According to Pieters, this is clearly a case of promises made but not fulfilled.
“If you truly had courage and honesty toward the people, after more than a year in government you would have already started this tax reform,” he said.
Solutions exist, but leadership is lacking
The PPA proposes a clear and fair path forward:
- Start the transition from BBO to BTW (which is not cumulative and is fairer)
- In the short term: remove BBO on freight and import duties to protect and relieve consumers
These are not theories or empty promises, but executable measures that the government can implement.
The people cannot wait any longer
According to Pieters, Aruba is facing a perfect economic storm: global prices are rising, transportation costs are increasing, and the risk of recession is real. But what cannot be accepted is a government that remains silent.
Every day of silence costs the people more money.
Every week without action increases pressure on families.
The PPA sends a direct message:
Do not wait until the crisis explodes before acting.
Do not allow the people to suffer because of political indecision.
The government must move now not tomorrow.
Because in the end, a government is not measured by its words, but by how it protects its people when they need it most.