Fourth Quarter 2025 Budget Execution Report Delivered to CAft

Aruba Q4 2025 Budget Execution Report (Uitvoeringsrapportage) has been delivered to the College Aruba financieel toezicht (CAft), Minister of Finance Geoffrey Wever announced.

The Department of Finance compiles the quarterly execution report based on preliminary figures from Aruba’s central government and financial data received from public entities including AZV, SVb, ATA, Serlimar, Stichting EPB, and the University of Aruba, which are part of the collective sector.

The preliminary results for revenue and expenditures up to December 31, 2025 are now presented in the fourth quarter 2025 Uitvoeringsrapportage. Final figures and a detailed explanation will follow once the annual accounts for 2025 are completed.

Economic growth in the last six months of 2025 led to increased revenue from BBO (Base Business Tax) and import duties — both key indicators of economic expansion, higher consumption, and increased investment. The preliminary results comply with budget norms as stipulated by the Landsverordening Aruba tijdelijk financieel toezicht (LAft).

Key Financial Highlights

• Surplus: Aruba’s operations for 2025 show a surplus of Afl. 300.4 million, 150% higher than originally budgeted.

• Revenues vs. Expenditures: Revenues grew by Afl. 55.5 million, and expenditures increased by Afl. 49.7 million compared to 2024. Revenue realization stood at 101%, while expenditures were executed at 95%.

• Tax Growth: Direct and indirect tax revenues rose by 3.4% compared to the same period in 2024, an increase of Afl. 50.5 million, reflecting sustained economic momentum.

• Investments: Investment execution reached Afl. 30.0 million in Q4 — 40% of the investment budget. The government continues to balance investment with fiscal sustainability.

Public Debt and Sector Figures

• Total Public Debt: Afl. 5,079.2 million, equal to 64.6% of GDP, marking a slight increase of 0.8% from the third quarter.

• Collective Sector Debt Ratio: 63.6% of GDP, continuing a downward trend that began in 2024.

• Collective Sector Financing Balance: A positive result of +6.1% by December 31, 2025.

• Personnel Costs: Personnel expenses represent 8.2% of GDP, in line with legal norms. The government plans to emphasize structural compliance with the 10% public wage bill limit by establishing a commission to formulate necessary measures.

Minister’s Remarks

Minister Geoffrey Wever emphasized that the positive results are not accidental, but the outcome of consistent financial discipline, proper planning, and responsible management within the legal framework.

“The 2025 results show that fiscal discipline, correct planning, and responsible management deliver concrete results. We continue to protect public finances, pay down debt structurally, and create space for sustainable investment,” Minister Wever stated.

He added that Aruba demonstrates firm leadership and institutional collaboration, maintaining financial stability while building a foundation for resilient economic growth.

With the delivery of the fourth quarter budget execution report, the Government of Aruba reaffirms its commitment to transparency, good governance, and sustainable public finances. The Department of Finance was thanked for its work in preparing and submitting the report to CAft and to the Parliament of Aruba.