THE HAGUE - The factions of the prospective ruling parties NSC and VVD have disregarded arguments from Curaçaoan MPs that the Dutch House of Representatives should exercise restraint regarding treaties that Curaçao wishes to enter into with other countries.
At the initiative of MP Folkert Idsinga of the Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC), the request from Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruins Slot to tacitly agree to a tax treaty between Curaçao and San Marino has been ignored. With support from his party colleagues and those of the VVD, Idsinga gathered well over the 30 MPs needed to force a plenary debate, including party leaders Pieter Omtzigt and Dilan Yeşilgöz.
This mirrors recent events: last week, a similar debate took place regarding the tax treaty with Malta, also at Idsinga’s insistence (a former VVD member). The debate included special delegates from the Curaçao Parliament, Brownbill, McWilliam, and Mercelina. Their message, urging more respect for Curaçao’s autonomy, fell on deaf ears with the NSC and VVD.
Raoul White (GroenLinks-PvdA) expressed his reservations about the actions of NSC and VVD: “We believe that, as with the debate on the treaty with Malta, restraint is appropriate. This only underscores the urgency to address the democratic deficit as outlined in the Charter. The role of the Netherlands should be to support and facilitate the countries according to their own needs in such processes and thus respect their autonomy. Let’s give these administratively young countries the opportunity to learn and grow. This includes taking responsibility and making their own decisions.”
The debate will be preceded by a written question round, allowing the Curaçao Parliament to submit questions. It is unknown whether special delegates will again participate in the plenary debate. Additionally, another treaty, this one with Suriname, is in the pipeline.