The Central Committee of Parliament continues its adjourned meeting on the draft national ordinance amending the 2020 budget and the pension scheme for political authorities today, Friday. That is notable, because last week it suspended the debate after the Ombudsman had submitted to St. Maarten’s Constitutional Court for review and possible annulment three laws for reductions in public sector employment benefits accommodated in the amendment.
The related personnel cost cuts were a condition for liquidity support from the Netherlands and have to a large extent already been implemented. Exactly what the best strategy is remains to be seen, but not approving last year’s revised budget can also cause other problems.
Moreover, the potential legal implications need to be carefully considered. If government and its entities were forced to repay whatever they deducted so far to lower expenses –as instructed – that could spell dire financial consequences, with the current situation bad enough as it is.
In addition, time may become a factor, as there are indications that at least one of the court’s three judges must be replaced. The elected representatives and minister will have to keep cool heads to weigh the pros and cons in this sensitive matter of national interest.
