WILLEMSTAD – Former Member of Parliament Menki Rojer has voiced strong concerns about the ongoing conflict between Interim Finance Minister Charles Cooper and the Algemene Rekenkamer Curaçao, warning that the situation risks undermining democratic oversight.
Rojer’s remarks follow recent tensions surrounding the Audit Chamber’s report on Curaçao’s 2023 annual accounts, which has been sharply criticized by the government. The minister has even suggested filing a complaint against the institution, a move that has sparked broader political debate.
According to Rojer, the Audit Chamber plays a fundamental role as an independent watchdog within the democratic system. He stressed that the institution is responsible for monitoring how public funds are spent and ensuring that the government remains accountable to parliament.
“The Audit Chamber is not a political body,” Rojer argued, emphasizing that its function is to assess financial management based on laws and established frameworks, not political considerations.
He warned that attempts to challenge or discredit such institutions could send the wrong signal and weaken essential checks and balances. In his view, the current approach risks creating the perception that critical oversight is being treated as a political opponent rather than as a necessary part of governance.
Rojer, who has held multiple roles within Curaçao’s political system, described the developments as troubling and called for greater common sense in handling the situation. He suggested that disagreements with the Audit Chamber should be addressed through proper institutional channels, without escalating tensions.
The dispute between the government and the Audit Chamber has already drawn criticism from opposition parties and other stakeholders, who argue that the independence of oversight bodies must be protected.
As the debate continues, Rojer’s intervention adds to growing concern that the handling of the issue could have broader implications for transparency, accountability, and the functioning of Curaçao’s democratic institutions.