WILLEMSTAD - Member of Parliament Ruisandro Cijntje (PNP) delivered strong criticism of the government’s economic policy during the ongoing 2026 budget deliberations, arguing that the current administration lacks concrete plans or a clear outlook for economic development.

Cijntje pointed out that key initiatives such as the hydrogen production project appear to have stalled, and that the much-discussed economic diversification is nowhere to be seen in the national budget. He also questioned the use of the entry fee, a levy intended to fund tourism-related investments, saying that transparency around its allocation remains unclear.

The PNP parliamentarian further criticized what he described as the limited authority of Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof (MFK), claiming that the minister’s powers within his portfolio have been significantly reduced, resulting in a lack of direction and coherent economic strategy.

Meanwhile, MP Quincy Girigorie (PAR) also expressed concern about the absence of long-term strategies to reduce Curaçao’s dependence on tourism. He called on the government to prioritize support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which he described as essential for the island’s economic resilience.

Both opposition members urged the government to present a more detailed and results-oriented plan to stimulate sustainable growth, create jobs, and strengthen the private sector—warning that without such action, Curaçao’s economy risks stagnation in the years ahead.