WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao must take drastic measures. That is the message from Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath now that it appears that Curaçao is not getting the requested amount from the Netherlands, or at least for now.

Rhuggenaath says the zero line for civil servants should now be introduced. This was previously rejected by the unions, but he hopes they can now show solidarity. Also, the Balkenende standard for public companies must now be introduced. Balkenende standard means that public and semi-public sector senior officials may not earn more than a minister. This is known as top income standardization.

The prime minister also said that the subsidies must be clustered, and the retirement age raised.

Curaçao will receive a loan of 177 million guilders. The loan is for two years and interest-free. Curaçao had asked for 765 million guilders for three months. This loan is for 6 weeks and by that time the four countries, the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten will be looking into what else is possible within the Kingdom.

Curaçao has until 1 May to send a budget change to the Committee for Financial Supervision (Cft).