MEP leader Evelyn Wever-Croes led a group of approximately 200 supporters in a march to the Dutch Representation office (VNO) in Oranjestad to deliver a letter of protest against the proposed HOFA legislation. The campaign opposes the introduction of the law regarding sustainable government finances, which the party argues threatens Aruba’s autonomy.
Wever-Croes expressed strong disapproval of recent statements made by Dutch State Secretary Eic van den Burg concerning Aruba’s “Status Aparte.” She stated that the Secretary’s comments, which suggested placing Aruba in the same position as Curaçao and St. Maarten, were disrespectful. “I do not believe it was a slip of the tongue. I believe it is what they really feel,” Wever-Croes said. She emphasized that HOFA is intended to diminish Aruba’s rights rather than assist with financial stability.
Opponents argue that placing Aruba in the same position as Curaçao and St. Maarten, who have a Kingdom Law of Financial Supervision, ignores that Aruba exited the constellation much earlier. According to Wever-Croes, this implies a reduction of Aruba’s autonomy.
