WILLEMSTAD - The Netherlands will be more involved in the government and financial housekeeping in Curaçao. This is apparent from the cooperation agreement signed by Prime Minister Rutte with the Curaçao Prime Minister Rhuggenaath.

The Netherlands is sending "an experienced transition counselor" to Curaçao, among other things. It will focus on improving governance on the island and stimulating the economy.

Disguised intervention

Reporter Dick Drayer explained in a televised interview that Curaçao has had problems getting finances in order for years. For example, there are problems with tax collection and the economy has not been growing for three years.

Although the Netherlands cannot formally intervene in the autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the covenant can be seen in this way, says Drayer.

The Netherlands is still responsible in Curaçao for, among other things, defense and foreign policy.

Drayer: "It looks a bit like what was done on Bonaire a few months ago, which is under the direct authority of The Hague and where the government did not have a choice to accept what the Netherlands wanted, but Curaçao does, and this is so entirely voluntary, probably to show goodwill, because Curaçao is not waiting for a formal financial instruction from the Netherlands."

A financial instruction is the toughest tool the Netherlands has to bring about something in Curaçao. Drayer does not rule out the fact that the instruction will still come up if it appears that the covenant has no effect.