WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament Anthony Godett has strongly responded to Dutch MP Peter van Haasen's remarks regarding Michelangelo Martines' position as the top candidate for the KEM party in the upcoming March 21 elections. Van Haasen, a member of the PVV party, criticized the decision to designate Martines as the party’s leader despite his detention on suspicion of drug trafficking and money laundering. Van Haasen called it a disgrace and urged Dutch State Secretary Zsolt Szabó to intervene with the Curaçao government for better oversight.
Godett firmly rejected Van Haasen's comments, stating, “Michelangelo ‘Lo’ Martines is at the top of the KEM list. Period." He expressed disbelief that the Dutch MP seemed unaware of the Dutch constitution, which grants autonomy to Curaçao.
Furthermore, Godett emphasized that Van Haasen should respect Curaçao’s autonomy and internal affairs, including those of the KEM party. “Van Haasen has no authority over KEM, nor can he dictate what the party should do. Respect in relationships must be mutual, and superiority is neither appreciated nor accepted,” Godett said.
The KEM parliamentarian also referred to a response from State Secretary Szabó, who acknowledged Van Haasen’s remarks with a polite but firm response: “My name is Haas,” signaling that his involvement was minimal.