After a lengthy negotiation period, the MEP government has negotiated the majority of the contents of the Rijkswet, extending the process further and agreeing to conditions that could change the situation. Now, they are trying to rewrite history as if nothing had happened and as if the agreements and signatures on paper didn’t exist.
In contrast to the opposition, which is running a populist campaign now that it is out of government, seeking to create instability with the Netherlands, AVP has chosen to continue with the process in a transparent and clear manner, informing the public about each step being taken.
The process of creating a Rijkswet is a formal, structured, and highly significant procedure for all countries within the Kingdom. Aruba, as a member of the Dutch Kingdom, participates in every phase of this process.
The Beginning in the Hands of MEP
At the start, during the Wever-Croes Cabinet, an official note was prepared to address the issue of the Rijkswet. This was based on an official framework published by the Kingdom, outlining step-by-step how a Rijkswet is developed. Discussions in the 2022 IPKO centered on COHO and affected all islands in the kingdom. Now, all islands are under some form of Rijkswet supervision, and Aruba is exploring the possibility of HOFA (Sustainable Government Finances Aruba).
Because this is a bilateral consensus law, Aruba and the Netherlands must align with the initial concept before it is made public and directs the process. If we had stopped at the initial concept, we would not have known what it truly entailed. The first draft is sent to important bodies such as the Raad van State (Council of State) for legal and constitutional evaluation, and to the Parliament of Aruba for an initial round of discussions. During that time, the debate was prepared, but the process was not completed under the previous cabinet.
On January 30, during a public meeting, Premier Wever-Croes, as a resigning premier, asked Parliament whether the negotiations would continue or not and decided to proceed with the process.
The Continuation Under AVP/FUTURO
When the AVP-FUTURO Cabinet assumed office, they continued on the same path and worked with the same experts as the previous government.
The public must understand that a Rijkswet is not a local law; it is a law of the Kingdom that binds both the Netherlands and Aruba legally, and both parliaments have a role in it. This shows how crucial it is for Aruba to remain engaged in the process. Aruba has encountered other Rijkswets before, but now we are focusing on the aspect of public finances.
The current phase includes the submission of official documentation to the Parliament of Aruba, allowing the topic to be addressed after public meetings. The government has opted to submit the initial concept to Parliament along with the publication in the Netherlands for online consultation, so the coalition has requested more time to conduct an internal evaluation and return with solid understanding and necessary questions for the government.
Next, the government will discuss the recommendations and amendments and may request a mandate from Parliament to proceed with the treatment in the Dutch Parliament’s Tweede Kamer – where Aruba’s autonomy will be a focal point. The final ratification in Aruba’s Parliament must also happen for the Rijkswet to become valid law.
Role of the AVP Fraction
The AVP faction is following each step with seriousness and determination. We remain vigilant to prevent Aruba from losing sight of its rights and position within the Kingdom. Our insistence is on a process that is open, transparent, and understandable to the people, step by step, so that every citizen can follow and understand how a Kingdom law is processed.
The Rijkswet process is long and complex. But let’s remember: it started under the Wever-Croes Cabinet, and as they stated, they had 90% clarity. It is now continuing and, if finalized, will be under the AVP-FUTURO Cabinet. This shows continuity in governance and demonstrates the seriousness and integrity needed for national interests.
AVP reaffirms its commitment to representing the people of Aruba with clarity and responsibility, ensuring every step in the process is documented and shared. Transparency and the defense of our country are central to our work in Parliament.
Photo credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/politica/esaki-ta-e-proceso-di-rijkswet-splica-stap-pa-stap
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