WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament Ruisandro Cijntje of the Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP) has raised concerns about the government’s handling of the recently launched national dialogue on the AOV pension system. While welcoming the idea of consulting citizens, Cijntje questioned the sincerity of the process and accused the government of attempting to confuse and divide the public.

In a statement issued on September 24, Cijntje applauded the government for recognizing the importance of public participation on issues of general interest. “A national dialogue is the most appropriate way to discuss, plan, and build consensus,” he said. However, he stressed that the exercise must be genuine and consistent, not just a political maneuver.

Cijntje noted that under the law, the AOV pension must be indexed based on economic growth. “This is clear and straightforward. If the government intends to comply, it must make at least two amendments to the law,” he explained. He added that pensioners expect the government to both honor the legal requirement for indexation and outline measures to make the AOV fund sustainable.

The MP took issue with what he described as attempts to blur the distinction between AOV indexation and a “toeslag” (supplement) for those receiving 862 guilders or less per month. “Calling a supplement an indexation is misleading the people,” Cijntje said. While he supports financial assistance for those living under the poverty line, he emphasized that such measures fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of SOAW, not the pension system itself.

Cijntje went further, accusing the government of using the dialogue as a tool of “divide and rule.” He warned that such tactics undermine unity at a time when all citizens should stand together to safeguard the pension fund.

“Everyone will one day reach the age to receive AOV. This is not a privilege, but a right for all,” he said, urging the population to stay alert and not allow fear or manipulation to dictate their future.

The MP concluded by reaffirming that the PNP will continue to advocate for fair indexation of AOV for all retirees and for structural reforms to strengthen the pension system.