“Where there is smoke there is fire” the saying goes, so Prime Minister Luc Mercelina forcefully denying rumours of a looming rift in the URSM/DP/PFP/SAM coalition during Wednesday’s press briefing raised a few eyebrows. There had apparently been growing speculation suggesting tension between governing partners.
The URSM leader criticised media outlets – particularly from Curaçao – for what he described as fuelling false narratives. He labelled such reporting as “not only irresponsible but slanderous,” adding that it paints an inaccurate picture of the political stability and maturity of St. Maarten.
This was followed by United People’s party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco Lacroes warning (see related story) that he would bring a motion of no confidence if this government does not sufficiently move the country forward. He defended MPs’ rights to vote freely, unrestrained by pressure within the legislature.
The opposition member added that “the definition of insanity is to do the same thing under the same circumstances and expect a different result. … Today I advocate for change.”
Because the current coalition has nine of 15 seats, it takes the support of not just one but two of its current members to adopt such a motion. As seen before, that probably would lead to the Council of Ministers dissolving Parliament and calling early elections again.
If so, it will be the third time adult citizens are asked to go to the polls within 18 months. That could well lead to so-called voter fatigue and negatively affect the turnout.
Was the prime minister correct in claiming “this government is united, focused, and steady in its commitment to the people. Let there be no doubt – this coalition remains intact and is working tirelessly to address the real challenges facing our country”? Only time will tell.
