Parliamentarian Endy Croes elaborated on the public meeting held last Monday, during which the law establishing the “final balance of the 2019 operating account” was discussed, along with a correction to the 2018 balance. The operating account is a summary of all operational income and expenditures for the Government of Aruba — in this case for 2019.
Balance for 2019 and balance for 2018
During the meeting, Parliament approved the 2019 operating account balance of:
– 4.3 million florins.
A correction was also approved for the 2018 balance, previously stated as –144 million, now adjusted to –139 million.
This correction was necessary due to, among other things, pending administrative bookings at DOW that had not been completed on time. Although approved in December 2020, the updated information showed a correction was still required. The explanatory memorandum explicitly highlights the improvement from 2018 to 2019 as notable work by the Wever-Croes II Cabinet:
“This is a significant improvement compared to the results achieved in 2018.”
Meanwhile, the financial statements for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 have been submitted to the Court of Audit and will be handled soon.
The coalition ultimately voted FOR the 2019 financial statement and the 2018 correction — thereby approving the financial management of the Wever-Croes I Cabinet.
Thanks to the continued efforts of the Wever-Croes Cabinets I & II, the former Minister of Finance, and all professionals involved, Aruba’s financial statements will soon be fully updated and current.
The 2019 operating account as part of the budget cycle
This process forms part of the national budgeting cycle.
By law, the government must submit the draft budget for the coming year before September 1, and Parliament must approve it before year-end so that the new year starts with an approved budget.
The Wever-Croes II Cabinet began the process of restoring and correcting administrative procedures. Since 2023, budgets have once again been submitted on time according to the law — including those for 2024 and 2025.
A core element of the budget cycle is accountability. This happens through the financial statements. The Court of Audit first conducts its review, after which Parliament debates the financial statement in a public meeting, with the Minister of Finance present. After debate and questions, Parliament approves the final balance — in this case for 2019 — marking the official closure of that fiscal year.
Government working toward a clean audit opinion
When Wever-Croes I assumed responsibility in late 2017, they inherited severe financial chaos. The Bo Aruba (2018) report by the Court of Audit revealed that 1.6 billion florins in projects had been poorly managed — a major deficit.
The Cabinet worked hard to restore order, comply with legislation and professionalize financial administration. In 2019, the foundations were laid for solid and responsible public financial management — though COVID-19 in 2020 shifted priorities dramatically.
Despite this, Wever-Croes II continued the trajectory toward achieving approved financial statements with an auditor’s opinion. Former Minister Xiomara Maduro and her advisors played a key role.
At the Department of Finance, the three-lines-of-defense model was implemented, financial reporting systems were standardized, and administrative rules were developed to ensure reliable accounting.
If progress continues, Aruba may achieve its first financial statement with a clean audit opinion in 2026. It has not been easy, but with determination, it is achievable.
The current government is commended for continuing the responsible financial management initiated by Wever-Croes II.
Press release: MEP
