Press conference performance tax authorities canceled

WILLEMSTAD - The Minister of Finance has canceled today's planned press conference about the Tax and Customs Administration. 

 

During the press conference, the results of the investigation into BearingPoint's projects at the Tax Authorities, which were carried out by the Government Accountants Bureau (SOAB), would be discussed.  

 

Earlier this week, the minister submitted a request, via a letter to the Supervisory Board and the Board of Directors of SOAB, to make the employees involved in the investigation available to give a presentation during the press conference.  

 

But that is a problem! Although SOAB employees only had to focus on the technical aspects of the investigation and answer technical questions during the press conference, Minister Silvania's request was rejected. The Board indicated this in writing. In the letter, the Supervisory Board indicates that this is an issue with which it cannot get involved, given their role as supervisor, and then refers the Minister to SOAB's Executive Board. 

 

In a second letter, from the general director of SOAB, it is stated that SOAB cannot honor Minister Silvania's request, as public announcements about the investigation results would be contrary to professional rules. The Government Accountant Bureau also states that it must adhere to the fundamental principles of professionalism, integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, professional competence and due care as included in the Regulation on the Code of Conduct and Professional Regulations for Accountants (VGBA). The general director also states that the international quality standards must be complied with and that the government audit firm is tested for compliance with professional laws and regulations. “SOAB must therefore ensure in all its actions that the professional rules are not violated”, according to the general manager.  

 

The SOAB indicates that it is willing to assist Minister Silvania by providing further explanation of the fulfillment of its obligation to provide information to Parliament, during the discussion of this report in a central committee meeting of Parliament. Minister Silvania will ask the MFK faction to call a meeting to inform parliament about this topic. 




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