WILLEMSTAD – The opposition party MAN-PIN has unveiled its action program, presenting an eight-point plan of urgent measures with a commitment to deliver concrete results within the first 100 days. Emphasizing courage and hope, MAN-PIN has positioned itself as a forward-thinking alternative for the people of Curaçao, rejecting cynicism and fatalism while advocating for practical, lasting solutions.
Government Inaction Amid Rising Costs
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, global prices soared, placing significant strain on Curaçaoan households. According to MAN-PIN, the current government, led by Prime Minister Pisas and managed by Finance Minister Javier Silvania, has failed to implement simple measures that could alleviate this burden.
“They could have reduced import duties or exempted certain essential goods from sales tax, but they chose to do nothing,” MAN-PIN stated. The opposition also criticized the government for rejecting its proposed legislation to make property taxes (OZB) fairer and more equitable.
While laws that could benefit the people, such as the pension indexation law, have been ignored for four years, MAN-PIN highlighted the government’s swift action in passing trivial laws, such as one allowing dark-tinted windows, within just three days.
A Call for Leadership
MAN-PIN argued that the Pisas-Silvania government lacks a clear direction and only reacts to current trends. In contrast, the opposition party claims to stand firm for those who believe that government should lead with purpose and focus on what truly matters to the people.
MAN-PIN pointed to past successes under its leadership, such as doubling agricultural production with modest investments in local farming initiatives like Kunukito and preventive measures. The party criticized the current administration for neglecting these efforts, resulting in missed opportunities to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports.
A Vision for the Future
MAN-PIN proposes subsidizing local food production to lower supermarket prices, create jobs, and keep more money circulating within the local economy. The party insists that with community support, this approach could yield even greater results than before.
The party also criticized the government’s dismissive attitude toward its proposed general pension law, calling it another example of the choice voters face in the upcoming election: between those who believe in building a better future for Curaçao and those who focus on short-term gains without a clear vision.
Standing for Progress
MAN-PIN concluded by reaffirming its commitment to providing leadership that addresses the real needs of the people. The party aims to inspire trust and optimism, promising to implement concrete, sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of Curaçao’s citizens.
The upcoming elections will test whether Curaçaoans are ready to embrace this vision of progress and accountability or continue down the current path of uncertainty.