WILLEMSTAD – As Curaçao's political landscape evolves, Kousa Promé, led by Gisella Rosalia, is emerging as a party advocating for strong government intervention, national sovereignty, and economic redistribution. Their platform promotes state control over key sectors, a self-sufficient economy, and a reinforced national identity. But how feasible is their vision?
Government as the Driving Force: Control and Collective Ownership
Kousa Promé rejects market-driven solutions, instead favoring direct government intervention in vital industries such as energy, food supply, and infrastructure. Their proposals include state-run supermarkets, public investments in solar energy, and government-led food distribution.
This stance is consistent with their ideology, but it raises concerns about efficiency and bureaucratic stagnation. An overly centralized system may stifle economic dynamism and create dependency, potentially mirroring the colonial structures the party seeks to dismantle.
Economic Redistribution: Shifting Wealth from Corporations to Citizens
The party calls for higher taxes on luxury consumption (e.g., sugar tax, vehicle tax) and demands that foreign investors contribute more to society. Additionally, they plan to seek reparations from Shell for past environmental and economic damages.
While consistent with their commitment to social justice, these policies could discourage investment and slow economic growth. The challenge lies in striking a balance between fair redistribution and maintaining investor confidence.
National Sovereignty and Anti-Imperialism
Kousa Promé strongly opposes foreign interference in Curaçao’s economy and politics. Their recognition of Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader and insistence on local control over tourism, ports, and airports reflect a push for economic self-determination.
However, Curaçao’s open economy relies on international trade and cooperation. Total self-sufficiency may not be realistic, and isolating foreign investors could limit economic opportunities.
Cultural Identity and Education Reform
A key component of Kousa Promé’s vision is the formation of a new Curaçaoan identity ("Yu di Korsou Nobo") through education and media. They propose:
Patriotic education in schools, including local history and culture.
A language policy prioritizing Papiamentu in early education, with gradual expansion into other languages.
Nationalist programming on TV and radio to promote rights, responsibilities, and Curaçaoan pride.
This consistent ideological approach aims to strengthen national identity, but it must be carefully managed to avoid excluding Curaçao’s multicultural reality or limiting international engagement.
Sustainability as a Societal Priority
Kousa Promé integrates environmental concerns into their broader vision, advocating for:
Public-private initiatives for renewable energy.
A structured national recycling program.
Environmental awareness campaigns in schools and media.
This holistic approach aligns well with their state-led economic model, but implementation remains a challenge, especially in securing funding and public compliance.
Corruption and Institutional Reforms
The party sees corruption as a major obstacle to progress and proposes:
An independent integrity bureau for government officials.
Strengthening the SOAB and the Audit Chamber.
Investigations into past administrations for corruption.
While their commitment to transparency is clear, there are questions about execution. Can a government with extensive control over the economy effectively police itself without external oversight?
Financing: Who Pays the Bill?
Kousa Promé’s ambitious plans require significant funding, and their proposed solutions include:
Increasing state control over strategic infrastructure.
Developing local export markets.
Redistributing wealth through taxation.
While their ideology is consistent, their financial strategy lacks specifics. How will Curaçao sustain government-led industries without overburdening the economy? Will higher taxes drive businesses away?
Key Strengths and Challenges
Strong state-led approach to economy and society.
Commitment to social justice and wealth redistribution.
Clear emphasis on national sovereignty and identity.
Integrated vision for sustainability and governance.
Risk of economic stagnation if the government assumes excessive control.
Balancing independence with the reality of globalization.
Potential financing gaps in their ambitious plans.
Conclusion: A Bold Vision with Practical Hurdles
Kousa Promé presents a coherent social-nationalist platform, prioritizing state control, wealth redistribution, and national identity. However, practical challenges remain:
Can Curaçao’s economy sustain heavy government intervention?
Will foreign investment decline under stricter regulations?
Can the party balance self-sufficiency with international cooperation?
While their ideological foundation is strong, the success of their policies will depend on execution—and whether economic realities align with their interventionist vision.