Parliamentarian Stephany Sevinger participated in the informational meeting in the Parliament of Aruba, where united labor unions presented their viewpoints on the proposed Rijkswet HOFA. According to Sevinger, her presence at the meeting was intended to hear directly from union leaders, including Jose Figaroa of the FTA.
Sevinger indicated that the exchange of information presented by the unions contributed to a better understanding of the reasons behind the proposed law. According to Sevinger, during the meeting the unions raised fundamental questions to parliamentarians, such as: why Aruba needs a HOFA, why the process evolved into a Rijkswet, and why the issue did not remain limited within the framework of the LAFT.
Criticism of how the debate is being conducted
However, Parliamentarian Sevinger expressed concern about the tone of the public debate which, according to her, has been taking place for some time. She lamented that a political party, specifically the MEP, which was part of a previous government, in her opinion is using the public’s emotions and patriotism to influence public opinion.
She emphasized that this is especially sensitive following the recent celebrations of March 18, a significant date for Aruba, when the country commemorated 40 years of Status Aparte and 50 years of the National Anthem and Flag. According to Sevinger, using patriotism in political debate can result in what she described as “cheap politics.”
Issue of trust between Aruba and the Netherlands
Sevinger stated that when looking back at the debate historically, the issue of trust between the Netherlands and Aruba is an important factor. According to her, the current lack of trust did not arise suddenly, but developed after a prolonged period of political leadership which, in her assessment, weakened the country’s financial credibility.
She indicated that Aruba is currently facing a process to implement a Rijkswet, and not simply a LAFT, due to previous decisions which, according to Sevinger, created tensions with the Netherlands. She referred to a moment in the past when, according to her interpretation, a change in the financial agreement under the LAFT triggered a negative reaction from the Dutch side after consensus had previously been reached.
Reference to the 2024 Bestuurlijk Akkoord
Parliamentarian Sevinger also mentioned the Bestuurlijk Akkoord signed on June 4, 2024, indicating that the agreement was presented to Parliament a few months after she assumed her position as a parliamentarian. According to Sevinger, the responsible minister at that time, although in a caretaker capacity, presented and explained to Parliament how the agreement relates to the introduction of the Rijkswet.
Sevinger added that, according to her information, former Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes herself established a group of experts to draft the consensus proposal regarding the Rijkswet. She pointed out that the same person who initiated the process later expressed disagreement with the outcome.
Current government must continue with existing agreements
According to Sevinger, the current coalition government of AVP–FUTURO has an obligation to manage the commitments that have already been signed with the Netherlands. She emphasized that the agreement was officially formalized with the signatures of the corresponding authorities and that it had previously been presented as an important achievement for Aruba.
She recalled that at the time the agreement was signed, no significant opposition was publicly expressed. According to Sevinger, the current situation reflects differing opinions, but she concluded that the new government is focused on continuing with the HOFA and on listening to the voice of the people in the decision-making process.