The headline “Governor rejects bonus for political officeholders” on the Friday/Saturday edition’s front page ought not be misunderstood. What Curaçao Governor Mauritsz de Kort reportedly did is refuse to sign a draft national decree authorising year-end bonuses for ministers and parliamentarians.
His main reason was apparently that the proposed payments require a solid legal foundation. The Committee for Financial Supervision CFT earlier indicated that existing national ordinances governing the remuneration of cabinet members and elected representatives do not provide for year-end bonuses.
The financial supervisor emphasised that additional compensation must be supported by appropriate legislation. It also stressed that the associated expenditures have to be incorporated into government’s budget, allowing Parliament to exercise its constitutional authority over public spending.
To put matters into proper perspective, the country’s civil servants are getting a full so-called “13th month” instead of a smaller fixed amount allowance known as “Bashi Premie” for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis. However, several opposition parties have objected to also applying this to political officeholders.
Though the country’s economy and particularly tourism are doing well, significant problems regarding lack of human and material resources continue to plague much of the public sector including healthcare institutions. Moreover, the island is facing serious social challenges, as households struggle with increases in grocery, electricity, water and fuel prices.
Does this mean politicians can never give themselves any extras? Not necessarily, but they should always do so in a lawful and transparent manner, which in this case implies going to the people’s elected representatives and having a debate on the issue.
The governor’s stand sends an important message about accountability and respect for the principles of proper governance. If there is room in the budget for such a sensitive move, the discussion must be fair and based on clear priorities that consider the needs of the entire community.
Besides, even something being legally possible alone does not make it right.
