At the MEP faction’s weekly press conference, MP Xiomara Maduro criticized the AVP–Futuro Government for allegedly ignoring a court ruling that ordered the 15 commissioners of Utilities Aruba to be reinstated. According to Maduro, a judge issued the decision on October 10, 2025, suspending the Government’s prior removal of the commissioners and directing that they return to work, be paid, and receive all information needed to perform their duties. The ruling also set a penalty of AWG 2,500 per day (up to AWG 250,000 per commissioner) for non-compliance.
Maduro said the verdict emphasized that removing commissioners must be properly motivated and that reasons such as a “new government with a new vision” or lack of confidence in appointees of a prior government are not valid grounds. The court also underscored that the board/supervisory council of a state-owned N.V. must act independently, not at the direction of the Government.
Despite this, Maduro stated that on October 12, 2025, the Government sent letters suspending all 15 commissioners, signed by the Utilities director and Ministers Arthur Dowers and Baba Herde, which she characterized as an abuse of power and political persecution that could cost taxpayers substantial sums if penalties accrue.
