Parliamentarian Dangui Oduber has aligned himself with a coalition of trade unions calling for a suspension of the Rijkswet HOFA law process. In a letter sent to Parliament on May 7, 2026, the unions outlined their position and formally requested that legislators halt the advancement of the proposed Kingdom Law.
The correspondence emphasizes the role of the local Raad van Advies as the highest consulting body on the island. The unions argue that this council of legal experts provides a solid foundation for decision-making regarding Aruba’s constitutional structure. They maintain that Parliament should not limit itself to awaiting external advice but should instead direct its own constitutional trajectory based on local counsel.
According to Oduber, there is significant opposition to the measure within the community. He noted that 10 of the 21 parliamentarians currently stand against the Rijkswet HOFA. Additionally, 13 unions representing thousands of members, along with a petition signed by over 12,000 citizens, have voiced their rejection of the law, arguing that it undermines the democratic process and Aruba’s autonomy.
Critics also point to recent financial data from the Committee for Financial Supervision (CAFT), which projects Aruba’s debt-to-GDP ratio will drop to 47% by 2028. Opponents argue that since Aruba is already meeting financial targets under existing supervision laws (LAft), the proposed transfer of financial control to the Netherlands is unnecessary. They question the urgency of accepting the Rijkswet in exchange for 7.5 million guilders, suggesting it compromises the island’s Status Aparte.
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