WILLEMSTAD – The PAR faction in Curaçao Parliament has voiced strong concern over what it describes as a “dangerous political trend” following a tense parliamentary meeting on the 2023 national accounts.
The meeting, which included the Ministry of Finance and government auditor SOAB, focused on the report of the General Audit Chamber regarding the country’s financial management. According to PAR, the session was marked by attempts to discredit the Audit Chamber, an independent institution tasked with overseeing government finances.
PAR criticized the tone of the debate, stating that after more than an hour of discussion, the Minister of Finance suggested filing a complaint with the Accountants Chamber in the Netherlands if the Audit Chamber did not amend its report.
During the meeting, it was also acknowledged by government officials that Curaçao is still far from obtaining an unqualified audit opinion. According to PAR, this confirms that significant improvements in financial management are still needed.
Instead of focusing on concrete steps to address these shortcomings, PAR argues that the debate shifted toward attacking the Audit Chamber itself. The party expressed concern over statements made during the session, suggesting that the oversight body was acting against the government rather than fulfilling its independent role.
PAR warned that framing critical institutions as opponents of the government risks undermining democratic principles. According to the faction, such an approach could lead to efforts to silence critical voices and weaken checks and balances within the country.
The party stressed that independent oversight and freedom of expression are essential to a functioning democracy and called on leaders to focus on addressing structural financial issues rather than targeting institutions that raise concerns.
PAR concluded by urging the public to recognize the importance of critical voices and institutional independence in safeguarding Curaçao’s democratic system.