Oranjestad, Aruba - Marisol Juliette Lopez-Tromp, born September 28, 1969, has built an impressive career in the Aruban political and social sector. With more than 20 years of experience, she has worked in education, social affairs and infrastructure, and has held various leadership positions, including that of Minister and Member of Parliament.
Background and Education
Lopez-Tromp is the daughter of Domi Tromp, a former politician and list leader of the Partido Patriotico Arubano (PPA), and Yvonne Frans, who was active as leader of the women's wing of the PPA in the 1970s. She went through the Colegio Arubano and continued her studies in Pedagogical Sciences at the Catholic University of Nijmegen. After her graduation, she returned to Aruba in 1995 and worked for several years as a family peer at the Directorate of Social Affairs.
Political Career
Haar politieke loopbaan begon bij de Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP), waar ze van 1998 tot 2001 lid was van de Staten van Aruba. In 2001 werd ze benoemd tot minister van Sociale Zaken en Infrastructuur in het kabinet-Oduber III, en van 2005 tot 2009 diende ze als minister van Onderwijs, Sociale Zaken en Infrastructuur in het kabinet-Oduber IV. Tijdens haar ambtstermijn initieerde ze het Nationaal Onderwijs Plan “The Learner” 2007-2017, het eerste in de geschiedenis van het Arubaanse onderwijs.
In October 2013, Lopez-Tromp became president of the States of Aruba, a position she held until September 2015. She later joined the Pueblo Orguyoso y Respeta (POR) party and served as Minister of Infrastructure in the first Weaver-Croes Cabinet from January to October 2020.
Leadership of MAS
In 2021, Lopez-Tromp took over the leadership of the Movimiento Arubano Soberano (MAS) following the resignation of the previous leader. Under her leadership, MAS positioned itself as a center-left party seeking social democracy. In the 2021 elections, the party won two seats in the States of Aruba.
Vision for the 2024 Elections
With the upcoming elections in December 2024, Lopez-Tromp presents an ambitious program focused on sustainable development, social justice and good governance. She emphasizes the importance of transparency and integrity in government and strives to strengthen Aruba's democratic institutions.
One of her focal points is promoting economic diversification to reduce dependence on tourism. She advocates investment in green energy, technology and local agriculture to create new jobs and increase the island's economic resilience.
In the social field, Lopez-Tromp is committed to improving education and health care. She strives for equal opportunities for all Arubans, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with disabilities.
In addition, she emphasizes environmental protection and the preservation of Aruba's natural resources. She has previously taken initiatives to reduce damage to protected natural areas by ATV/UTV vehicles and continues to advocate for stricter environmental regulations.
Commitment to Community
Throughout her career, Lopez-Tromp has focused on improving education, strengthening social structures and developing infrastructure in Aruba. Her initiatives have contributed to the progress and well-being of Aruban society.
