WILLEMSTAD - Opposition Member of Parliament Shaheen Elhage (PAR) has issued a formal letter to the government sharply criticizing its latest proposal regarding the AOV pension increase, accusing the Pisas cabinet of attempting to circumvent retirees’ legal right to indexation.

Elhage argues that the government’s suggestion of raising the basic AOV amount—instead of applying the indexation required by law—could deliberately weaken pensioners’ future claims.

“A proposal meant to deceive”

In his statement, Elhage describes the government’s approach as “bakoba pa kwe makaku” — an expression meaning a deceptive tactic meant to mislead the public.

He warns that if retirees accept a general increase to the basic AOV amount that is not anchored in law, the government could later argue in court that the increase fulfills the same function as indexation.

“By accepting this proposal, every pensioner risks losing their accumulated legal right to indexation,” Elhage writes, calling such a scenario a form of “income loss.”

Retirees forced to protest in the streets

Elhage expressed regret that Curaçao’s elderly were forced to take to the streets on Thursday, November 14, to defend what he calls their “rightful and legally guaranteed” indexation. He praised the courage and solidarity shown by pensioners, unions, and civil society organizations during the peaceful march.

The PAR MP noted that the government itself — through the Ministry of SOAW — had previously acknowledged its legal obligation to index AOV benefits and had even expressed willingness to find the necessary funding.

“National consultation not necessary”

Elhage argues that the government does not need a national consultation process to determine its legal responsibility.

He points out that the law already requires the government to issue a National Decree specifying the percentage of indexation based on real economic growth for each year from 2021 through 2025.

“The legal obligation to index the AOV is clear,” he notes. “The government must simply publish the legally required decree and fulfill retirees’ rights.”

PAR urges retirees to remain vigilant

Elhage is urging all retirees to be cautious and not to accept any proposal that could be used by the government to argue that indexation is no longer owed.

He maintains that the National AOV Consultation—recently launched by the government—has now proven “unnecessary,” since the law already dictates the government’s duties.

The letter adds to increasing political pressure on the Pisas administration, which is struggling to reconcile its legal obligations, fiscal constraints, and public expectations amid growing frustration among Curaçao’s elderly population.