Parliamentarian Croes expressed regret that, despite the support of 13 unions and over 10,000 signatures collected from the community, this was not enough to stop the process of the HOFA Kingdom Act. The motion passed with 11 votes in favor (AVP and Futuro) and 10 votes against, including MEP, PPA, and Parliamentarian Mike de Meza.
Mr. Croes stated that what happened in Parliament is a serious mistake, as those in favor of the Kingdom Act seem to have forgotten that in 1977, over 82% of Arubans voted for autonomy in the referendum.
The struggle that led to Aruba’s Status Aparte began many years before its official realization. As early as 1948, Mike Eman Sr., father of current politician Mike Eman, promoted this vision and collected signatures from the people in support. Nevertheless, members of the AVP and Futuro coalition in Parliament this week allowed the government to continue the process of the HOFA Kingdom Act—a law that gives the Netherlands the final word on Aruba’s financial decisions.
Those who voted in favor of the Kingdom Act represented only about 3,700 votes in Parliament, while those who voted against represented about 16,000 votes. Mr. Croes regrets that the foundations of the democratic system are being undermined, as a decision of this magnitude has now been made without first consulting the people. The fact that the government went to the Netherlands with the Kingdom Act before seeking consensus in the Parliament of Aruba also raises questions about the government’s willingness to pass the law in this manner and ignores recommendations made in the IPKO.
In conclusion, Mr. Croes emphasized that the MEP party, in its duty to the people, will continue to act with the tools at its disposal to stop this situation.