WILLEMSTAD – The political parties MAN and PIN have jointly presented their election program for 2025, outlining a series of sweeping reforms aimed at political renewal, an active government role in the economy, strict environmental policies, social reforms, and a new tax system.
Political and Administrative Reforms
According to MAN-PIN, Curaçao has long suffered from political instability and a lack of transparency in governance. To address this, they propose a set of reforms to strengthen democracy and combat corruption. Their goal is a more efficient and accountable government that truly serves the people.
The party alliance aims to reduce political fragmentation and improve democratic governance. Key initiatives include the establishment of an independent Integrity Chamber to fight corruption, a national dialogue on state structure reforms, and political party financing regulations. MAN-PIN also advocates for greater citizen participation in decision-making and greater transparency in public finances.
A Stronger Government Role in the Economy
Curaçao’s economy faces significant challenges, including high unemployment and over-reliance on tourism. MAN-PIN envisions a more active role for the government in driving economic diversification and job creation to build a more stable and sustainable economy.
Their plan includes the creation of 5,000 new jobs through investments in emerging industries such as medicinal cannabis, agriculture, fisheries, and wellness tourism. They propose tax incentives and financial support for entrepreneurs who contribute to sustainability and innovation. The alliance also wants to strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to close the gap between education and the job market. Additionally, they seek to encourage skilled Curaçaoans living abroad to return by providing attractive opportunities.
Strict Environmental Measures
With climate change and environmental issues posing an increasing threat to Curaçao, MAN-PIN is calling for bold action to protect nature and promote sustainability. Their vision is to make the island greener and more environmentally friendly.
Their proposals include a comprehensive environmental legislative package to protect coastal areas and forests while banning coral destruction. They also advocate for better waste management policies, including a ban on plastic products and stricter regulations on water and soil pollution. Furthermore, they aim to improve public transportation by making it greener and more efficient, with enhanced infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
A significant portion of the population struggles to afford basic necessities, and MAN-PIN intends to tackle this issue by making housing more affordable and improving social services. They emphasize that the government must play a leading role in these efforts.
Their plan includes a housing policy reform to ensure that rent prices do not exceed 25% of household income. Additionally, they propose universal access to childcare and better social services for the elderly and vulnerable populations. They also seek to improve workers’ rights by establishing a social security fund for temporary workers and stronger protections for freelance and contract employees.
Tax and Financial System Reform
Curaçao’s public finances are unsustainable, according to MAN-PIN, and require urgent restructuring. Their vision includes a fairer tax system and greater financial stability, allowing the government to invest more effectively in public services.
They propose replacing the current sales tax with a general expenditure tax (ABB), introducing a sugar tax, implementing a tourism contribution fee, and creating a natural disaster reserve fund. They also advocate for more transparency and efficiency in government spending, ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively.
With these bold proposals, MAN-PIN presents itself as a progressive and reform-oriented coalition that seeks to transform Curaçao’s governance, economy, and society. Their plan underscores the belief that a stronger, more transparent government can drive sustainable development and improve quality of life for all citizens.
