WILLEMSTAD – The opposition party MAN-PIN is calling on Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof to extend the ministerial decree regulating the prices of basic goods, known as the Makutu Básiko. According to the party, government intervention is “more urgent than ever” as the cost of living continues to rise on the island.
The call follows statements from representatives of importers in Curaçao who said they have not been contacted by the ministry for consultations regarding the extension of the price control measures. They also indicated they were not involved in discussions about a new policy framework for regulating the prices of essential products.
MAN-PIN says this contradicts recent statements by Minister Middelhof, who had indicated that discussions were underway with stakeholders to establish a new arrangement.
The Makutu Básiko policy was originally introduced to ease the burden on low-income households by controlling the prices of essential goods such as food and hygiene products. The measure became particularly important following price increases that occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the opposition party, the program has not been continued for political reasons, despite ongoing economic pressure on households.
MAN-PIN is now urging the minister to reopen consultations with importers, retailers and other stakeholders and to extend the decree to ensure price stability for essential goods.