It appears the “majority of eight” will get its way soon, because replacing President of Parliament Grisha Heyliger-Marten as such (see related story) is being added to the agenda of Monday’s adjourned debate on the 12.5% public sector cuts. A separate urgent meeting on the same issue requested by the eight elected representatives involved will be scheduled for the week of October 24.
That seems rather redundant at this stage, depending of course on how things go Monday. Mention of the elucidation of a change made in the Rules of Order to relieve chairpersons of their duties at any time, saying this might be necessary in case of a change in government, was interesting in that regard.
The latter is not the case here, as there is no intention to replace the Jacobs II Cabinet, although the new coalition partners who were not part of the original NA/UP governing accord reportedly have a say in filling the existing Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) vacancy. Nevertheless, when it comes to who chairs the legislature the majority – be it a minimal one in the 15-seat house – ultimately rules.
What makes this situation more intriguing is that Heyliger-Marten is not just a member of the UP faction but the party’s biggest vote-getter in the last election and wife of its co-founder Theo Heyliger. Recent developments indicate that Rolando Brison has consolidated his political leadership, for the moment.
Prime Minister and NA leader Silveria Jacobs called suggestions of nine parliamentary factions erroneous because independent members were never defined in that manner by law. They are, however, considered such in practice and one of them, Akeem Arrindell, is now backing her government, as is Chanel Brownbill on behalf of US Party despite having been expelled by its board.
The Council of Ministers should also remain mindful of the fact that three former coalition members have shown they no longer support at least one of the public administrators in office. Their reasons are best not ignored going forward.
