MP Suzy Camelia-Römer Calls for Public Education Campaign on Curaçao’s National Budget

WILLEMSTAD — Member of Parliament Suzy Camelia-Römer from the MAN-PIN party called on the government to take action in improving public understanding of Curaçao’s national budget, which she described as an ongoing concern for many years.

Understanding the National Budget

During a parliamentary session with the General Audit Chamber, Camelia-Römer highlighted that the national budget, being the most significant law of the country, is often misunderstood not only by citizens but also by the very officials responsible for creating and managing it.

“The big problem is that many government officials and parliamentarians do not understand the budget — and neither does the general public.”

She recommended that the Audit Chamber and other authorities initiate an educational campaign to raise awareness. The campaign would use short explanatory videos broadcast across radio, television, newspapers, and social media to clarify what the national budget is, how it functions, and how to interpret its figures.

Concerns Over Budget Amendments

Camelia-Römer also voiced criticism toward the Ministry of Finance for implementing adjustments to the approved budget without submitting them back to Parliament for review.

“Such changes must be presented to Parliament so that they can be debated,” she said. “People think democracy means the majority simply decides — but that’s not true. Everything must be based on legality.”

She underscored the importance of developing greater political maturity and adherence to institutional procedures within Curaçao’s governance.

Author’s Summary

MP Suzy Camelia-Römer urged for civic education on Curaçao’s national budget and criticized unauthorized budget changes, emphasizing legality and institutional respect.

Curaçao Chronicle — 2025-11-07