THE HAGUE – State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen (Kingdom Relations) sees a democratic deficit for the Caribbean countries in the decision-making procedure on proposals for a Kingdom Act. That is why the Dutch cabinet wants to give room for a ‘proportional vote’ of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CAS Islands).
The State Secretary wrote this in a letter to the Dutch Parliament about the main points of Kingdom policy. Together with the countries, she is investigating how this can best be done. “This is presumably a lengthy process, with various solutions that may necessitate amendment of the Charter,” the letter said.
Before the summer, Van Huffelen will inform the Second Chamber about possible solutions and the progress of the talks with the countries.
According to the State Secretary, cooperation in the Kingdom is about jointly achieving shared goals and not primarily about money. That is why it is being explored how the political relations within the Kingdom can be strengthened.
Elections EU
It has been agreed in the coalition agreement that residents of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten who are entitled to vote should be able to participate more easily in the election of the Dutch members of the European Parliament. The Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations explores how this can best be done and discusses this with the countries.
Dispute Resolution
An equal relationship also includes the dispute settlement, which has been discussed for some time. Now the initiative (to arrive at a new draft) lies with the governments of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) has submitted this request to the CAS countries. Van Huffelen is happy to contribute ideas and do what is within its capabilities to make progress.
