WILLEMSTAD – The Central Committee of the Curaçao Parliament has approved Parliament’s draft budget for 2027, paving the way for the proposal to be debated in a public parliamentary session before being forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for inclusion in the national budget.
According to the draft, Parliament is projecting a budget of 29.8 million guilders for 2027. Included in that amount is an investment of 7.5 million guilders for new parliamentary housing.
The relocation plan foresees Parliament moving in 2029 to the current Aqualectra building on Pater Euwensweg. Based on the multi-year budget projections, Parliament’s annual budget is expected to decline to approximately 22 million guilders once the move is completed.
During committee discussions, several MPs raised questions about the relocation and construction plans. Member of Parliament Suzy Camelia-Römer of MAN-PIN asked whether possible additional costs had already been factored into the budget.
Parliament officials responded that no extra costs have yet been included, as the construction and renovation plans for the new building are still being further developed.
PNP parliamentarian Sheldry Osepa also questioned what would happen to Parliament’s current buildings once the move takes place.
Parliament President Fergino Brownbill explained that the existing parliamentary locations will eventually revert to the ownership of the country of Curaçao.
The condition of the current La Bonanza building also came under scrutiny during the discussions. Camelia-Römer criticized the facility over poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, and mold issues.
Brownbill acknowledged the concerns and said measures have already been taken to improve the conditions in the building while Parliament prepares for its eventual relocation.