THE HAGUE - The Standing Committee for Kingdom Relations in the Dutch House of Representatives has submitted written questions to State Secretary Zsolt Szabó (Kingdom Relations, PVV) regarding Curaçao’s planned repayment of a 140 million guilder loan. 

Previously, the College financieel toezicht (Cft) indicated that Curaçao had sufficient funds to repay the entire loan in a single payment due in October. However, Curaçao has opted for refinancing instead. The Parliament wants to understand the reasons behind this decision and how it aligns with the Cft’s advice. 

Curaçao’s Finance Minister Javier Silvania (MFK) explained that the amount is being reserved for other priorities, including the restructuring of the Curaçao Medical Center and strengthening financial buffers. 

The parliamentary questions also address future repayments, noting that the Netherlands has extended over 1.5 billion euros in loans to Curaçao between 2020 and 2040. 

The committee’s inquiries reflect concerns about Curaçao’s fiscal management and the sustainability of its debt strategy as it navigates ongoing financial challenges.