Parliamentarian Stephany Sevinger expressed regret that the process for introducing the Rijkswet HOFA has already started, while the Parliament of Aruba must now wait for the formal advice of the Council of State of the Kingdom of the Netherlands before substantive debate can continue. Nevertheless, she indicated that it is positive that labor unions have demonstrated confidence in the democratic process by presenting their viewpoints.
According to Sevinger, the current situation is the result of a formal process that is already underway.
“It is unfortunate that the process has already begun and that we must wait for the advice to come in. Once the advice arrives, Parliament can analyze whether the content of the Rijkswet HOFA aligns with the position and thinking of the Parliament of Aruba,” she stated.
Parliament always has the possibility to withdraw
In response to concerns that the final decision will be taken in the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, Sevinger emphasized that this initiative concerns a consensus Rijkswet. According to her, this means that the Parliament of Aruba always retains the authority to withdraw its support if the final content is not in the country’s interest.
She also referred to statements by a former Prime Minister who previously signed a Bestuurlijk Akkoord with the Netherlands. According to Sevinger, the former leader later indicated that the original intention had been to achieve a reduction in interest rates, but not necessarily to follow a trajectory that would culminate in a Rijkswet. Sevinger described this change in position as an inconsistent move that, in her opinion, could affect trust in political relations.
AVP defends responsible process and compliance with agreements
Sevinger stated that the parliamentary faction of the Aruban People’s Party (AVP) stands firmly behind what she described as a fair and responsible process. According to her, all parliamentarians must address the issue with seriousness, especially considering that the relationship with the Dutch Kingdom is an essential component of Aruba’s institutional framework.
She emphasized that once a formal agreement has been signed, the country has a responsibility to fulfill the obligations that arise from it.
“When we sign agreements in a firm and responsible manner, Aruba must honor them. That is what the AVP faction stands for today,” Sevinger declared.
Legislative process not yet concluded
Parliamentarian Sevinger explained that although the draft law for the Rijkswet HOFA has already been presented, there is still no final law in place. According to her, the Parliament of Aruba received the draft law on May 1, 2025, after the government took office on March 27 of the same year without signing the final law.
She detailed that the formal process follows a clearly defined series of steps:
- The Parliament of Aruba receives the draft law
- The document is sent to the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (RMR)
- Subsequently, the law is sent to the Council of State of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for legal advice
- After the advice is issued, the legislative process continues its course
According to Sevinger, the Parliament itself requested that the draft law be sent to the Council of State in order to obtain an independent opinion. She emphasized that, as of now, no final vote has been taken, which means that officially there is still no Rijkswet in force — only a proposed law on the table.
“The process is clear: Parliament receives the draft law, then it is sent for advice, and afterward it continues its path. That is how the system works,” said Parliamentarian Stephany Sevinger.