THE HAGUE – The Dutch government says new discussions will be held with Curaçao and Sint Maarten regarding the repayment of loans that remain outstanding from the constitutional reforms of 2010.
The announcement was included in a formal cabinet response by State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg to the Dutch Parliament following the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) held earlier this year in Aruba.
According to the Dutch cabinet, the talks form part of broader efforts to ensure “future-proof public finances” within the Kingdom.
The letter states that the Netherlands will negotiate “practical agreements” with Curaçao and Sint Maarten regarding the settlement of loans that have remained unresolved since the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010.
The cabinet response also references ongoing work with Aruba on the Kingdom Act for Sustainable Public Finances Aruba (HOFA), legislation currently under review by the Kingdom Council of State.
The issue of public finances and debt sustainability remains politically sensitive within the Kingdom, particularly as Curaçao continues balancing economic growth, social spending and long-term fiscal reforms.