THE HAGUE – The VVD wants the Dutch government to specify which reforms Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten must complete during the next two years and how it intends to prevent the Kingdom reform cooperation from being extended again after 2029.
VVD Member of Parliament Renate den Hollander raised the issue during the House of Representatives debate on the Kingdom Relations budget and the BES Fund.
The VVD supports continued cooperation under the country packages, known as the landspakketten, but Den Hollander stressed that extending the arrangement should not become an objective in itself.
According to the VVD, continued cooperation should demonstrably contribute to better governance, stronger public finances, economic development and a more resilient rule of law.
Den Hollander asked the government to identify the concrete reforms that must still be completed over the next two years and establish measurable results by which progress can be assessed. She also questioned how the government intends to ensure that another extension will not be necessary after 2029.
Her questions form part of a broader VVD position that Dutch investments in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom should be accompanied by responsibility, measurable results and sound financial management.
Den Hollander acknowledged that progress has been made in recent years in strengthening governance and economic security, but said challenges remain in administrative capacity, integrity, public finances and self-reliance.
The VVD parliamentarian also questioned the government about the political and administrative situation across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. She asked how authorities are preparing for the March 17, 2027 Island Council elections in the Caribbean Netherlands, including measures to safeguard fair elections and increase resilience against corruption.
Den Hollander said the VVD ultimately wants cooperation within the Kingdom to result in stronger government, greater resilience and increased self-reliance.
According to the party, this should be achieved not simply by providing additional funding, but through clear agreements, measurable results and accountability for how public money is used.