WILLEMSTAD – Political parties MAN-PIN and PAR have unveiled their policy visions for the upcoming government term, emphasizing economic development, social justice, and good governance. While MAN-PIN prioritizes income redistribution and a greater government role in job creation and social welfare, PAR focuses on economic growth through investment and entrepreneurship, advocating for less government intervention and a stronger private sector. Despite their shared goals, the two parties differ significantly in their approaches.
Shared Priorities with Different Approaches
Both parties stress the importance of economic expansion, poverty reduction, and social welfare improvements. They seek to build a more sustainable economy by reducing dependence on tourism. In education, both MAN-PIN and PAR support modernizing curricula and ensuring better alignment with the job market. Additionally, transparency, good governance, and strengthening democratic institutions are key components of their agendas.
MAN-PIN advocates for income redistribution and a strong governmental role in economic management. The party aims to create 5,000 new jobs, strengthen labor rights, and invest in agriculture, fisheries, and medicinal cannabis. It also proposes a social security fund for temporary workers and a revision of the minimum wage.
Meanwhile, PAR focuses on attracting investors and empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). It seeks to develop Schottegat into a multi-industrial hub and support startups and innovation through an SME fund. The party also prioritizes strategic investments in tourism, renewable energy, and logistics.
Healthcare and Social Policies
MAN-PIN promotes a holistic approach to healthcare, with prevention at its core. It proposes free primary healthcare access and plans to introduce wellness coaches at health centers. The party also supports tax measures, including a sugar tax and stricter regulation of vaping and nicotine products.
Conversely, PAR prioritizes healthcare efficiency and cost reduction by enhancing cooperation within the Kingdom. The party proposes establishing a national health authority to reduce waiting times and improve services. It also encourages more private sector involvement in healthcare and reforms to the basic health insurance system.
Education and Workforce Development
MAN-PIN seeks to implement universal free preschool education and place greater emphasis on Papiamentu and English in the school system. The party wants to better support teachers and encourage young professionals to return to Curaçao after studying abroad.
PAR, on the other hand, advocates for an education system focused on “21st-century skills” and stronger regional cooperation within the Kingdom. It proposes better support for technical schools and the creation of an educational collaboration platform to align training programs with labor market demands.
Governance and Security
Both parties are committed to combating corruption and crime. MAN-PIN calls for greater public participation, whistleblower protection, and the creation of an independent integrity chamber. It also proposes electoral reforms and neighborhood development policies with enhanced social services.
PAR, meanwhile, aims to streamline the public sector and strengthen Curaçao’s position within the Kingdom. The party plans to introduce a digital government to simplify bureaucratic procedures and proposes the creation of a national security council.
While both MAN-PIN and PAR present progressive and reform-oriented policies, their economic and social strategies diverge. MAN-PIN champions government-led social justice and redistribution, whereas PAR focuses on economic diversification, private investment, and administrative efficiency.
