The recent appointment of Michiel G. Eman (AVP) and Gerlien L. Croes (FUTURO) as formators by Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt marks an important step toward the formation of a new government in Aruba. This development follows the early elections of December 6, 2024, in which AVP won nine seats, MEP eight seats, FUTURO three seats and PPA one seat in the 21-seat Parliament.
Analysis of the formation process:
- Screening procedures: Both formators have undergone judicial and state security screenings, as required by the National Ordinance on Ministerial Integrity of Dec. 17, 2021. This screening ensures that appointed officials meet integrity standards, promoting transparency and trust in the process.
- Coalition dynamics: The cooperation between AVP and FUTURO reflects a response to the electorate's desire for change. FUTURO, a new party led by Gerlien Croes, won three seats and positioned itself as a key player in coalition negotiations. Partnering with AVP appears to be a strategic move to address shared priorities such as the rising cost of living and economic challenges.
- Formation Planning: Formators are tasked with presenting a coalition agreement and cabinet formation by Feb. 18, 2025. This timeline allows for thorough consideration of policy agreements and ministerial appointments.
Possible challenges:
- Small majority: With a combined majority of 12 seats in Parliament, the coalition has a narrow majority. This can present challenges in passing legislation, requiring disciplined party cohesion and strong negotiating skills to ensure stability.
- Policy alignment: Although both parties have expressed a commitment to addressing economic and social issues, differences in policy approaches may emerge. Bridging these differences is essential for a cohesive government program.
- Public expectations: The electorate's desire for change puts pressure on the new coalition to deliver tangible improvements, particularly in the areas of cost of living and economic development. Meeting these expectations is crucial to maintaining public support.
Conclusion:
The appointment of Eman and Croes as formators is an important step toward the formation of a new government in Aruba. While the coalition between AVP and FUTURO offers opportunities to address pressing national issues, it also brings challenges such as a small parliamentary majority and the need for policy alignment. The coming weeks will be crucial as formators work to form a government that reflects the mandate of the electorate and can govern effectively.
