On the third Wednesday of May, the Netherlands holds Accountability Day, better known as “Gehaktdag” (“Mincemeat Day”). On that day, the Dutch cabinet must explain what became of the plans and budgets from the previous year. At the same time, the Dutch Court of Audit presents critical reports on government spending and the effectiveness of public policy. Ministers can come under heavy political fire that day — hence the nickname “Gehaktdag.”
Accountability Day serves as the counterpart to Prinsjesdag. While Prinsjesdag is about presenting new plans, Gehaktdag focuses on a different question: were those plans actually implemented, did they work, and what did they cost? Since 2000, it has been a fixed part of Dutch parliamentary oversight.
Why Doesn’t Curaçao Have a “Gehaktdag”?
Curaçao does have budgets, annual accounts, and a Court of Audit, but it does not have a national accountability day during which ministers collectively account to Parliament for their performance.
There are several reasons for this:
· a less developed political accountability culture;
· limited administrative and financial capacity;
· and the absence of a fixed parliamentary tradition surrounding annual policy oversight.
As a result, audit reports and annual government reports generally receive far less public and political attention in Curaçao than they do in the Netherlands.
Would a Curaçao “Gehaktdag” Be Useful?
A Curaçao Accountability Day could offer several advantages:
· greater transparency regarding government spending;
· stronger parliamentary oversight;
· more measurable policy results;
· and greater public trust in government.
It would force ministers to demonstrate more clearly:
· what they promised;
· what was actually achieved;
· and how much it cost.
It could also strengthen the position of the General Audit Chamber of Curaçao.
What Are the Obstacles?
An accountability day only works if financial data is available in a timely and reliable manner. That is precisely where problems frequently arise.
In addition, political resistance may emerge because ministers would become more vulnerable to criticism.
The greatest challenge is therefore not legal, but administrative and political.
Is Introduction Possible?
Yes. The Parliament of Curaçao could introduce an annual accountability day through legislation or parliamentary agreements. The existing audit framework already provides a foundation for this.
Conclusion
“Gehaktdag” demonstrates that democracy is not only about making plans, but also about public accountability afterward. That is precisely the aspect that could be further strengthened in Curaçao.
A Curaçao Accountability Day could contribute to better governance, greater transparency, and stronger democratic oversight — provided there is sufficient political will and administrative discipline.
As a former employee of the Dutch Court of Audit, I personally experienced two Accountability Days, namely in 2011 and 2012. That experience showed me how important institutional oversight, transparency, and public accountability are within a mature democratic constitutional state.
drs. Luigi A. Faneyte MSc. CFE CICA CCS
Politician | Economist | Financial Expert | Consultant | Auditor | Analyst | Researcher | Lecturer
Former Auditor at the Dutch Court of Audit
PAR Parliamentary Staff Member in the Parliament of Curaçao