WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas (MFK) has responded in a relaxed manner to confirmed delays in the implementation of the Landspakket reforms, despite recent reports pointing to structural backlogs at several ministries.
According to Pisas, the reform process has not come to a standstill and cooperation with the Netherlands continues under the Mutual Arrangement (Onderlinge Regeling), which remains in force until 2027 and is linked to a substantial COVID-19 loan provided to Curaçao.
The prime minister acknowledged that challenges exist but stressed that progress is still being made across the reform agenda. He indicated that discussions with the Dutch government are ongoing and that adjustments are part of a complex, long-term process rather than a sign of failure.
Pisas further stated that, despite the delays highlighted in various reports, the Netherlands would be satisfied with the overall direction and pace of the reforms. His comments come amid growing scrutiny from oversight bodies and parliament regarding the slow execution of key measures under the Landspakket, which is intended to strengthen public finances, governance, and economic resilience.
Critics have warned that continued delays could undermine confidence in the reform process and place additional pressure on Curaçao’s administrative capacity. For now, however, the prime minister maintains that the framework for cooperation remains intact and that the objectives of the Landspakket are still achievable within the agreed timeframe.