Yesterday marked a historic and emotional day for Eduard Pieters and the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) as he officially took the oath of office as a Member of Parliament. Despite some nervousness, Pieters expressed deep joy and gratitude that everything went smoothly.
“I want to thank God first for guiding me and helping me become a better person to serve my country. I am grateful to my family—especially my wife, who is my rock, and my children. When I decided to enter politics, I spoke with my children and told them I wanted to be not just their father, but also a father figure for many families in Aruba. Through politics, I can do that. With their blessing, I joined the PPA list, and today I have the honor and privilege of serving my country as a Member of Parliament,” Pieters shared.
PPA as a Guiding Light
According to Pieters, he views the PPA as a beacon that lights the path toward building a healthy and just Aruba for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. He expressed gratitude to the party leadership and especially to Otmar Oduber, for trusting and mentoring him since his entry into politics.
For the past six months, Pieters has worked closely with Oduber, learning valuable lessons about the island’s political history and parliamentary work. “Otmar leaves behind a big gap in Parliament because he is a very sharp and capable person. But I intend to follow his example and continue that sharp focus in my role. PPA may have only one seat, but we will make our presence known. We will monitor, support, and stand firm for what is right,” Pieters emphasized.
Facing Major Challenges Ahead
Pieters noted that he intends to lead with a hands-on approach, keeping citizens informed—just as the PPA has done over the past nine months. “We face major challenges ahead, and PPA must continue to stand at the forefront for the people,” he said.
Addressing the topic of the Rijkswet (Kingdom Law), Pieters stated that it presents a significant challenge but that the PPA, as a solid party, has already prepared a minority report demonstrating, through the Statute of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Aruba’s own Constitution, that the country has sufficient tools for oversight without needing the proposed Rijkswet.
“We must unite as one national front and set aside political flags to protect Aruba’s right to self-determination. This is my call to everyone,” he said. “Even though the PPA’s representative in Parliament has changed, the team remains united with the same vision. Our ‘Nos Aruba 2050’ plan serves as our compass, guiding us toward a better future for Aruba. That’s what you can expect from me as a Member of Parliament,” Pieters concluded.
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