WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Finance Charles Cooper has told the Curaçao Parliament that the current parliamentary oversight process is, in his view, too slow and that the Pisas administration prefers the ability to take financial decisions swiftly, with parliamentary approval granted after the fact rather than in advance.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Cooper reiterated a position he previously outlined during the debate on the 2026 national budget. He said the government operates with a mechanism designed to prevent delays in public administration, while remaining within the legal framework set out in the Landsverordening Comptabiliteit 2010. In particular, he referred to Article 47, paragraph 1, which allows the government to make budgetary adjustments when circumstances require it.
According to Cooper, the provision is intended to serve two key objectives: protecting the national interest in situations of urgency and ensuring continuity in government operations. He argued that the article gives the executive room to act when immediate decisions are necessary, rather than waiting for lengthy parliamentary procedures that could slow down essential processes.
The minister said such situations may include the need to meet international financial obligations, take rapid decisions related to critical infrastructure, or implement recommendations from supervisory bodies without delay. In those cases, he stated, swift action is essential and postponement would be unacceptable.
Cooper also emphasized that the issue is not limited to emergencies, but extends to avoiding stagnation in day-to-day governance. He warned that requiring full parliamentary approval before every adjustment could lead to delays in investment projects and create difficulties in meeting unforeseen payment obligations on time.
Summarizing his position, the finance minister said the government relies on Article 47 to safeguard financial stability and allow vital projects to continue without interruption. He added that parliament is informed as quickly as possible so that decisions can later be formally ratified. For major projects, Cooper said, the government coordinates with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Curaçao Parliament can give its final approval once the decision-making process has been completed.
