THE HAGUE – In the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, few are mourning the early departure of State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Zsolt Szabó. However, there are serious concerns that his exit will further delay already-stalled reforms—most urgently, the modernization of the WolBES and FinBES legislation, which governs administrative and financial relations between the Caribbean Netherlands and The Hague.
Szabó's tenure, representing the far-right PVV, was marked by controversy and a strained relationship with the Dutch Caribbean territories. From the outset, his appointment sparked alarm in the region. His leadership was seen as a dramatic departure from the more conciliatory tone of his predecessor, Alexandra van Huffelen (D66). One of his first moves was to slash the €130 million in economic development funds promised by Van Huffelen to €80 million.
He also unilaterally scrapped a hard-won agreement with Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba on modernizing the WolBES and FinBES, drawing fierce criticism. His abrupt decision was widely viewed as “colonial,” prompting island council delegations—who had traveled to The Hague for discussions—to walk out of the ministry in anger without even beginning formal talks.
Szabó further alienated the autonomous countries of Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Maarten when he told the Dutch Parliament he had engaged Transparency International to investigate corruption in the islands—without ever informing or consulting their governments.
Relations hit another low during his recent working visit to Bonaire. Szabó accused the Island Council of lacking decisiveness. In response, the local government accused him of failing to honor prior agreements. His performance during parliamentary debates on Kingdom affairs also drew criticism for clumsiness and a lack of insight.
No Immediate Replacement Likely
The Dutch government is not expected to appoint a replacement for Szabó. Instead, Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Judith Uitermark (NSC) is likely to take on his duties until new elections are held. Szabó had been preparing to send a letter to Parliament outlining plans to safeguard good governance in the Caribbean territories. That letter will now likely be reviewed by his successor before it is sent.
One immediate consequence of Szabó's departure is the likely postponement of next week’s scheduled parliamentary committee debate on the Caribbean Netherlands. The committee must also decide which Kingdom affairs will be labeled "controversial," meaning they will not be addressed until a new government is installed.
Bonaire Landfill Crisis Cannot Wait
One issue that cannot be delayed is the dire situation at Bonaire’s landfill. State Secretary Chris Jansen (Infrastructure and Water Management), who had been tasked via a parliamentary motion to take charge of the cleanup effort, has also stepped down with the rest of the PVV appointees. His departure may prove beneficial, as he had shown little enthusiasm for implementing the mandated intervention.
As the dust settles in The Hague, Caribbean leaders are left hoping that new leadership—however temporary—will bring a more respectful and productive approach to Kingdom relations.
