WILLEMSTAD – Ishahier Felipe Monte is urging the government of Curaçao to introduce stricter price control mechanisms, arguing that recent increases in AOV pensions risk losing their impact without action to curb rising costs.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to support vulnerable groups through pension increases and temporary financial relief, Monte warned that market-driven price hikes could effectively neutralize these measures.
“It cannot be that the government gives with one hand, while the market takes it away with the other,” the MP said, describing the situation as a growing concern for consumers.
Monte proposed that authorities strengthen monitoring of price developments and take a more active role in ensuring that essential goods remain affordable. He argued that protecting consumers requires more than income support alone and should include measures to stabilize or control prices where necessary.
According to the MP, the issue goes beyond economics and touches on social justice. He emphasized that government support must translate into real improvements in people’s daily lives, rather than being eroded by inflation.
Monte concluded by calling for a balanced policy approach, combining income increases with effective price oversight to ensure that social measures deliver meaningful results for the population.
The debate over price controls and purchasing power is expected to remain central as policymakers continue to address the cost-of-living challenges facing Curaçao residents.