Unions in Aruba have expressed concern after the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom (RMR) gave the green light for the proposed Kingdom Act HOFA to continue its process to the Council of State for advice.
Unions in Aruba met to discuss the recent developments and sent a clear message regarding their position on the law. The current moment, in which Aruba is celebrating 40 years of Status Aparte and 50 years of the Anthem and Flag, calls for deep reflection on the direction the country is taking without authorization from the people.
The unions expressed concern that the proposed Kingdom Act HOFA is being processed without broad consensus, particularly in the Netherlands. They believe this could have serious implications for Aruba’s position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Jose Figaroa, representative of the United Unions, explained that a Kingdom Act is a law of the Kingdom, where the influence of Aruba’s Parliament is limited.
“In a Kingdom Act, the role of Aruba’s Parliament is practically nonexistent,” Figaroa stated, emphasizing concerns about democratic participation in the process.
The unions maintain that the lack of participation and consensus could affect Aruba’s autonomy and the way important decisions are made.
They called for greater dialogue and transparency, insisting that issues of this magnitude must be handled with participation from all relevant sectors of society.
The proposed Kingdom Act HOFA is generating broad discussion in Aruba, mainly regarding its financial, legal and institutional implications. Different groups in society, including unions, continue to express their concerns and are asking for more clarity about the process and for it to be halted at this time.
