WILLEMSTAD – PNP Member of Parliament Sheldry Osepa has raised concerns over recent remarks by Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, saying comments suggesting coalition lawmakers should not publicly criticize their own ministers could undermine Curaçao's democratic system and the independence of Parliament.
According to Osepa, the Prime Minister recently stated during a radio interview that members of the governing coalition should refrain from publicly criticizing ministers from their own party. Pisas also reportedly indicated that the party leadership would take action against coalition MPs who fail to follow that line.
Osepa argues that such statements strike at the heart of Curaçao's constitutional democracy.
He points to the country's Constitution, which assigns Parliament the responsibility of overseeing the government regardless of whether an MP belongs to the governing coalition or the opposition. According to Osepa, elected representatives swear an oath to serve the people of Curaçao—not a political party or its leadership.
The PNP parliamentarian warned that the prospect of disciplinary measures against coalition MPs could create a climate of fear, discouraging legislators from carrying out their constitutional oversight role independently.
In response, Osepa has submitted written questions to Minister of Governance, Planning and Public Service Shalten Hato.
Among other issues, he is asking the minister to confirm that Members of Parliament must be able to perform their constitutional duties freely and independently, without political pressure or fear of repercussions from their party.
Osepa said the government's response will determine his next steps. If he concludes that the independence of Parliament is not being adequately safeguarded, he does not rule out raising the matter with international organizations or partners within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The questions come amid an ongoing public debate over the role of coalition MPs in holding their own government accountable, following criticism by Prime Minister Pisas of MFK parliamentarian Javier Silvania for publicly questioning ministers from his own party.