WILLEMSTAD - “There are many who think that politics is synonymous with insulting each other. But the way you treat someone says more about you than it does about that person.”
This is a statement from Charetti America-Francisca, the new chairman of the Curaçao parliament on Tuesday in her first speech. “Politics is not synonymous with throwing mud at each other. Politics is a means of bringing about change in our country.”
The 40-year-old Charetti, who sits in the Curaçao parliament for the second time on behalf of the MFK, works as a "family coach". She emphasizes that many families in Curaçao are struggling. She said to her fellow parliamentarians in her first speech:
“The people long for peace, the people long for change and unity and this should not be ignored. There is no interest, difference or conflict of more value than the prosperity of our country. Make no mistake, it is not one person who will bring prosperity, nor is it a party that will change this country. It's when we all start to listen, respect and appreciate each other that we will move forward.”
Unusual unanimity
At that time, Charetti had just been elected as the new chairman. That vote took place in an unusual unanimity. All new parliamentarians voted for Charetti as the new chairman. It is a clear signal that the new parliament wants to take a different course. For four years, harsh, personal attacks dominated the parliament. But the new parliament wants to leave that behind.
The swearing in of the new MPs last Tuesday was therefore mainly accompanied by words of reconciliation and calls for unity. For example, Ana Maria Pauletta (PAR), the outgoing President of Parliament, said that she hopes that the new 21 Members of Parliament can work well together "because the situation in Curaçao is really difficult". According to her, the representatives cannot continue to insult each other while the people are struggling. Government parties PAR and MAN are now in the opposition. Both Pauletta and MAN leader Steven Martina emphasized on Tuesday that the issues must be discussed in parliament. According to Martina, it is not about attacking people harshly. "We have to be hard on the issue and soft on the person."
Changes in parliament
Whether it stays with fine words remains to be seen. The new parliament has completely new relationships than the previous one. The MFK grew from 5 to 9 seats, the PAR fell from 6 to 4 and the MAN halved from 4 to 2. In addition, the old people's party PNP is back in parliament with 4 seats and Amparo dos Santos and Meindert 'Menki' Rojer both Kòrsou di Nos Tur, who are known for their tough stance and personal attacks disappeared from Parliament.
Most striking news about the new Parliament, however, is the fact that outgoing Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath will not be in it. He offers number 5 on the PAR list, outgoing Minister of Education Steven Croes, the space to gain experience. Rhuggenaath remains leader of the party and will mainly focus on rejuvenating the PAR, building the party and - in short - improving the presentation. Also in parliament. Because according to Rhuggenaath, the level of the debates must improve significantly. He also wants to put an end to the strong divisions of the country, which have often been painfully reflected in the parliament in the past four years.
In this regard, the current Prime Minister seems to be in line with the new Parliament Speaker, who told her colleagues on Tuesday: “Fellow Members, there are many things that we have taken up and preserved in our hearts over the years. There have been several times when we have hurt each other with words or actions. Today I want to invite you to let go. Let go so you can find yourself. Let go so you can keep growing. Let go so we can come together without these things dividing us.”
