Parliament returns from its summer recess today (see related stories). Vice President William Marlin of National Alliance (NA) will probably chair proceedings, as President Sidharth Bijlani of United People’s Party (UP Party) is still recovering from surgery abroad.
This means only 14 of the 15 seats are occupied and leaves the NA/UP Party/United St. Maarten Party (US Party)/Arrindell coalition without a majority. Asked about it during Wednesday’s press briefing, Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs said she expected members to act in society’s best interest.
The NA leader spoke of growth in maturity level and does not think going into an election year that particularly politicians running for office again would refuse to form quorums. The latter should become evident starting with Monday’s two scheduled gatherings.
There is understandable concern about several pending laws and amendments, including some in the so-called “country package” of reforms agreed on with the Netherlands as condition for already-received COVID-19 liquidity support. Those zero-interest loans expire on October 10 and one requirement for favourable refinancing of the Dutch government is that Curaçao and St. Maarten address insurance company Ennia’s solvency issue so the pension rights of thousands are safeguarded.
It seems clear the legislature’s cooperation is needed to fulfil all these commitments sooner rather than later. But even if opposition factions help meetings take place, that does not guarantee their support for related proposals.
Suffice to say government faces a difficult time ahead because its backers alone won’t be enough to get things done. Reaching across the aisle is called for and the proof of that pudding will be very much in the eating.
