THE HAGUE - Curaçao should be able to conclude treaties with other countries autonomously, without hindrance. This was the essence of a motion submitted today by Curaçaoan Member of Parliament Gwendell Mercelina of the PNP party during the debate in the Dutch House of Representatives on the amendment of the Tax Treaty between the Netherlands and Curaçao.
According to Mercelina, the current process via the Dutch House of Representatives is complex, as it is not the parliament of Curaçao but that of the Netherlands that ultimately decides on tax treaties. He argued that Curaçao has sufficient capacity to negotiate independently in this area and to ensure that treaties meet international standards.
The motion requests the Kingdom Government (the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom) to "consult with Curaçao before handling and instituting question rounds for approval of tax treaties negotiated by Curaçao that meet all international standards, in line with Curaçao's fiscal autonomy and negotiating capability, to facilitate the appropriate and unhindered ratification of Curaçao's tax treaties."
State Secretary Van Rij intends to consult with State Secretary Van Huffelen and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruins Slot before giving his opinion on the motion. The motion will be put to a vote on Tuesday.