KRALENDIJK – Talks on forming a new coalition in the Island Council of Bonaire have stalled, plunging the local government into a political deadlock.
The crisis emerged after Island Council member Salma Serberie of the Partido Demokrátiko Boneriano (PDB) withdrew her support from the governing coalition. As a result, the coalition—previously made up of PDB, M21, and the Vrolijk faction—lost its majority in the Island Council.
Serberie has indicated that she is unwilling to cooperate in the formation of a new coalition. She has also stated that she will not support a motion of no confidence against the Executive Council. Instead, she has chosen to continue as an independent faction member in the opposition.
Following the collapse of the coalition, the Unión Patriótiko Boneriano (UPB), the largest faction in the Island Council, took the initiative to start exploratory talks on governance options for the remainder of the current administrative term. Five Island Council members agreed to take part in these discussions.
The first round of talks involved UPB, M21, and MPB. During this meeting, M21 raised the issue of the allocation of executive portfolios. UPB proposed appointing a single acting commissioner, selected by consensus, as a temporary solution aimed at restoring calm and stability in the administration.
M21 rejected this proposal, stating that it would only continue negotiations if it were allowed to nominate a commissioner itself. As a result, the talks were suspended.
In a subsequent meeting, UPB presented a revised proposal. Under this plan, the Finance portfolio would temporarily be assigned to an acting commissioner with expertise in public finances. This commissioner would be tasked with overseeing the preparation of the 2026 and 2027 budgets and managing consultations with the College financieel toezicht and the Dutch government in The Hague.
Despite the adjusted proposal, no breakthrough has been achieved so far. The situation leaves Bonaire’s governance uncertain, with key financial and administrative decisions still unresolved as the Island Council remains divided.