Calls for urgent reforms to prevent renewed Dutch intervention
WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao’s new Minister of Finance, Charles Cooper (MFK), faces an urgent task: restoring financial order and compliance to prevent renewed intervention from the Netherlands. That is the message from former Governor and ex-Prime Minister Stanley Betrian, who issued a stark warning in a recently published opinion article.
According to Betrian, Curaçao has operated for years outside the legal framework of the Rijkswet financieel toezicht (Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision) and its own budgetary laws. He notes that the Curaçao Court of Audit has repeatedly reported violations by the previous finance minister, including unauthorized spending, unjustified advances, and a lack of proper financial administration.
“These are not mere technical oversights,” Betrian writes, “but fundamental breaches of financial law and governance that erode confidence in Curaçao’s fiscal management.” He warns that this ongoing disregard for fiscal rules has weakened the trust of Parliament, citizens, and the Kingdom in the government’s financial integrity.
Collective Responsibility and Legal Risk
Betrian emphasizes that when ministers approve payments or make budget decisions outside legal authorization, it constitutes collective responsibility and complicity. He stresses that political decisions cannot override financial law, and that such actions expose the entire government to legal and constitutional risks.
“The law is clear: expenditures without parliamentary approval are unlawful,” he notes. “If this continues, it will invite direct intervention from The Hague.”
Risk of Dutch Oversight Measures
The former prime minister warns that continued fiscal mismanagement could trigger renewed Dutch intervention, similar to previous directives issued under the Rijkswet. Such measures would reduce the island’s policy autonomy and subject its finances to stricter control from the Kingdom government.
He also references ongoing forensic investigations into possible irregularities within government spending, saying these underscore “the urgent need for discipline and transparency.”
“Good Governance Begins with Sound Financial Management”
Betrian describes the current situation as a borderline case of poor governance and urges Minister Cooper to “reverse the tide” by adhering strictly to fiscal law, ensuring transparent reporting, and working constructively with the College financieel toezicht (Cft).
“Good governance begins with sound financial management,” Betrian concludes. He calls for a new administrative culture focused on legality, accountability, and long-term economic confidence.
According to him, the credibility of Curaçao’s public finances — and the nation’s ability to maintain self-governance — now depends on decisive leadership and the political will to restore fiscal integrity.
