WILLEMSTAD – Vulnerable Curaçao households should receive a special credit that can be used to pay for food, energy and public transportation as part of a broader response to the rising cost of living, according to opposition party MAN.
The proposal is one of three measures the party wants the Pisas government to consider following increases in gasoline and diesel prices and new water and electricity rates taking effect October 1.
MAN argues that several essential expenses are becoming more expensive almost simultaneously, leaving households with less disposable income.
In addition to direct income compensation for households below a yet-to-be-determined income threshold, the party wants vulnerable groups to receive a card or credit specifically intended for essential expenses such as groceries, energy and public transportation.
The proposal would particularly target people with limited financial resources, including residents dependent on AOV or social assistance.
MAN is also calling for action on taxes associated with higher fuel costs.
According to the party, when fuel, freight and freight insurance become more expensive, the government can receive additional revenue through turnover tax. MAN wants the government to examine ways of reducing that additional tax burden instead of allowing higher international costs to translate fully into higher expenses for consumers.
The party acknowledges that Curaçao cannot prevent all price increases originating abroad. It argues, however, that fiscal and social measures can be used locally to soften their impact.
Diesel rose by XCG 0.45 this week to XCG 2.82 per liter, while gasoline increased by XCG 0.13 to XCG 2.73. Water and electricity tariffs are also increasing from October 1.
MAN has not provided a calculation of the total cost of its proposed support measures or identified how the package should be financed.
The party is nevertheless urging the government to bring a concrete proposal before the Curaçao Parliament, arguing that intervention is increasingly necessary as higher essential costs affect not only low-income residents but also a growing share of working and middle-income households.