WILLEMSTAD – Outgoing independent Member of Parliament Zita Jesus-Leito will take on a new role in the next parliamentary term as senior advisor to the MFK faction. The appointment, confirmed following discussions with the party, will be in effect from 2025 to 2029 and will begin on May 11, when the new Parliament is sworn in.
Two weeks ago, the former PAR leader Jesus-Leito revealed she had been approached to support the party and expressed her willingness to contribute. She stressed the importance of a well-functioning parliament and said she is confident that her experience can be valuable. Now that MFK will govern alone following the March 21 elections, she believes an independent and vigilant parliament is more essential than ever for the well-being of the country.
Jesus-Leito also expressed interest in reaching out to politicians in Aruba who have experience with single-party governments. While she considers MFK’s electoral victory a significant achievement, she emphasized that it also comes with great responsibility. She advocates for increased cooperation, minority inclusion, and citizen engagement. “If I can play a role in that, I’m happy to do so,” she stated earlier.
Over the past seven months, Jesus-Leito worked closely with Minister of Economic Development Charles Cooper. She described their collaboration as respectful and productive. Acknowledging her support for the MFK-led cabinet, she believes it contributed to the party's strong showing at the polls. “I think MFK recognizes that as well. In their post-election statement, the party thanked everyone who contributed,” she noted.
As the current government term comes to a close, Jesus-Leito will bid farewell to her team of five staff members, who were involved in both ministerial and parliamentary duties. “I’m grateful for their dedication,” she said. At the same time, she noted that it remains to be seen how events will unfold in the coming week.