WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Council of Ministers met with the Expert Group on the Democratic Deficit within the Kingdom on Wednesday, August 12, for an in-depth discussion about its ongoing research into ways to strengthen democratic representation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The expert group, chaired by Dr. Aubrich Bakhuis, was mandated by the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) to identify and analyze possible measures to reduce the democratic deficit within the Kingdom.
The group is expected to complete its work in the coming months, with its findings and recommendations scheduled to be presented during the IPKO meeting in Sint Maarten in January 2027.
Ahead of Wednesday’s meeting, the Council of Ministers reviewed a series of written questions submitted by the expert group. These questions formed the basis for further discussion during the meeting.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas presented several of Curaçao’s positions and concerns on behalf of the Council of Ministers.
The Curaçao government expressed its appreciation for the work being carried out by the expert group and said it looks forward to receiving its findings and recommendations. The Council hopes the research will contribute to concrete follow-up measures within the Kingdom.
The issue of the democratic deficit has long been part of discussions about constitutional relations within the Kingdom, particularly concerning the influence of Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten on decisions and Kingdom legislation that can directly affect the Caribbean countries.
Representing the expert group at Wednesday’s meeting were Bakhuis and Johan Sjiem Fat. Rachnilda Arduin and group secretary Gytha Boerwinkel participated virtually, while Professor Leonard Besselink was unable to attend.
In addition to members of the Council of Ministers and its Secretariat, local experts and government advisers Caryl Monte and Miguel Jackson participated in the meeting.