WILLEMSTAD – Tensions between the government and the General Audit Chamber have sparked sharp criticism in Parliament, following the release of the Chamber’s report on Curaçao’s 2023 national accounts.
The government has challenged the findings, arguing that the Audit Chamber made errors and failed to properly apply the principle of hearing and rebuttal. Both the government and government auditor SOAB are now considering filing a formal complaint against the Audit Chamber with the Accountants Chamber in the Netherlands.
According to SOAB, the report should not be seen as a final audit opinion, but rather as the position of the institution. At the same time, government officials have pushed back against some of the conclusions. A senior civil servant stated that not all issues identified by the Audit Chamber can be attributed to the government, noting that some problems were already addressed, while others were allegedly misinterpreted.
Despite the criticism, the government acknowledged that Curaçao still lacks an unqualified audit opinion and that financial management remains a work in progress. SOAB indicated that improvements were observed in 2023, but that further progress is needed.
The opposition strongly rejected the government’s stance, defending the independence and role of the Audit Chamber. The PNP faction argued that the report highlights serious financial errors and uncertainties that should not be dismissed. It also stressed that the principle of hearing and rebuttal does not require the audited party to agree with the findings.
Opposition members are now calling for the Audit Chamber to appear before Parliament to present its conclusions directly and respond to the government’s criticism. A new date for that session is expected to be scheduled.