WILLEMSTAD - Opposition faction MAN-PIN is sounding the alarm over what it calls an “irregular and deceptive” attempt by the Pisas III Cabinet to increase vacation allowances for ministers and Members of Parliament by embedding the change into legislation meant for public sector employees.
According to MAN-PIN, the government attempted to circumvent formal procedures required under the Areglo di Estado, which stipulates that any adjustment to ministerial or parliamentary compensation must first be reviewed by the Raad van Advies (RvA). The party says the cabinet tried to push the changes forward without the mandatory advice.
Increase for Public Servants Is Justified — But Not for Ministers and MPs, MAN-PIN Says
The opposition stresses that it fully supports raising vacation pay for public servants, noting that the adjustment is appropriate and long overdue.
However, MAN-PIN insists that any increase for ministers and MPs must be postponed until the next parliamentary term in 2029. The faction argues that the government is trying to pass a “fastball” by quietly merging three legislative amendments so the raise for officeholders can move through Parliament alongside the public-sector changes.
Two-Thirds Majority Required, Party Warns
Because the amendments affecting ministers and MPs fall under the Areglo di Estado, MAN-PIN argues that the government cannot approve them without a two-thirds majority in Parliament — 2/3 of all sitting members — as required by Article 52.
In contrast, the adjustment for public servants only requires a simple majority of 11 votes.
Under the current proposal, the vote on ministerial and parliamentary vacation pay would be counted together with the public-sector changes, a move MAN-PIN calls procedurally incorrect and misleading for Parliament and the public.
Opposition Proposes Separation of the Laws
To ensure integrity in the legislative process, MAN-PIN has formally proposed that the government separate the amendments:
One law strictly for public servants, contract workers, ‘werklieden’ and equal categories
A separate law for ministers and Members of Parliament
Once separated, MAN-PIN says the government may then send the proposed raises for ministers and MPs to the Raad van Advies, ensuring transparency, good governance, and proper legal compliance.
“No Increase for Ministers or MPs During This Parliamentary Term”
MAN-PIN remains adamant that no increase for political officeholders should take effect during the current parliamentary period. The faction says the government still has enough time to follow proper procedures, but insists that such benefits cannot move forward while AOV pensions remain unindexed for the elderly population.
Call for Transparency and Respect for Procedure
The opposition concludes that it will continue closely monitoring developments and urges the government to follow the path of clarity, respect formal procedures, and place “the interest of the people first.”