WILLEMSTAD - Following the political promises made during the 2025 election campaign and its outcome, the Partido Alternativa Real (PAR) has once again drawn attention to its proposals to increase the AOV pension.

In August 2025, PAR published two of its main proposals to raise the AOV:

Facilitate temporary work permits for undocumented persons in Curaçao so that they can also contribute to the AOV pension fund, other social programs, and government revenues.

Shift from direct taxation to a broader indirect tax system, ensuring that everyone in Curaçao—including undocumented residents and tourists—contributes to the AOV pension fund, social programs, and government income through their consumption.

PAR noted with great satisfaction—and not surprisingly—that the Government has seriously evaluated and indicated its intention to implement both proposals. Furthermore, PAR welcomed the news that the Government is also considering the introduction of a “Tourist Entry Fee”, another proposal put forward by PAR during the 2025 election campaign under the concept of a “Tourist Tax” to generate additional government revenue.

These proposals are all part of PAR’s 2025–2029 Action Plan, aimed at raising the current basic AOV amount to XCG 1,500. PAR’s intention was for the implementation of these reforms to begin in the short term—no later than January 2026—and to be executed gradually over a two-year period, with annual increases until the target amount is reached.

However, PAR has taken note that the Government now intends to make the AOV increase—whether through indexation or a base amount adjustment—the subject of a national consultation, meaning that the decision process could be delayed under the pretext of public dialogue.

PAR reminds the Government that during the 2025 election campaign, the ruling party itself made the same political promises to increase the AOV—just as all other parties represented in Parliament did—and even formalized this commitment through a motion in Parliament and within its own 2025–2029 Government Program.

In light of the Government’s intention to hold a national consultation on the AOV increase, PAR questions whether similar consultations were held when the Government:

Signed the agreement to rescue ENNIA, committing the people and future generations of Curaçao to a financial burden exceeding 1.7 billion guilders over 30 years, and the Central Bank for 50 years;

Forgave 3.2 billion guilders in taxes, which are funds belonging to the people;

Borrowed millions of guilders from the Netherlands; or

Implemented public sector salary increases in accordance with the law.

PAR’s suggestion to the Government is clear: regardless of the approach chosen, it must honor its legal obligations and campaign promises and implement the long-promised AOV increase as soon as possible.

The Government should not hesitate to use PAR’s proposals, many of which are already reflected in the 2025–2029 Government Program, as practical solutions to this and other issues.

PAR reiterates its constructive role from the opposition, offering workable ideas and collaboration. However, as emphasized, the national consultation must not become a tactic to delay or postpone decisions, thereby disappointing the 30,000 pensioners who depend on the AOV increase.

The MFK party and Minister Silvania have received all the political power and mandate necessary from the people—a parliamentary majority—to fulfill their campaign promises. The people now expect them to act decisively and sincerely, without excuses or delays.