Curaçao’s Council of Ministers approved an amendment to Parliament’s Rules of Order (see related story) formalising so-called “question hours” and allowing interruptions. Considering all the discussion that already goes on during meetings with “points of order” and sometimes “personal facts” not only in Willemstad but also in Philipsburg, it will be interesting to see how the latter works out.
The change is supposed to prevent cabinet members from getting away with providing evasive answers if any at all. However, such freedom could also be abused for political haggling or senseless back-and-forth arguments that make the legislature less efficient.
To guard against that, elected representatives wanting to interject something will push a button seen on a big screen, after which the chair can then give them the floor. While that sounds good, the proof of the pudding – again – will be very much in the eating.
Getting the people’s business done in the most effective manner should remain priority. Healthy debate is always to be encouraged but must never become endless bickering for no good reason.
Otherwise, the country’s legislature can easily turn into a modern-day “Tower of Babel” cacophony.
