THE HAGUE - The Dutch VVD party is advocating for a tougher approach to corruption and crime in the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom, following the arrest of Curaçao MP Michelangelo "Lo" Martines on suspicion of drug trafficking.
VVD Member of Parliament Aukje de Vries has posed critical questions to State Secretary Zsolt Szabó, emphasizing the need for visible progress in tackling organized crime and corruption. De Vries also highlighted other recent incidents, including the arrest of Aruban Minister Glenbert Croes on fraud charges and a house search involving Sint Maarten's Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis.
Additionally, De Vries has requested clarity on agreements related to tax reforms stipulated in the Landspakket (Country Package). The recent events, according to De Vries, demonstrate that the current policies are not sufficiently effective. “There is a need for concrete measures,” stated the MP.