WILLEMSTAD – The freedom and independence of the press are under increasing pressure in Curaçao, according to the Council of Advice (RvA). In a strongly worded commentary accompanying its 2024 annual report, the RvA highlights how government officials are sidelining critical media outlets and instead using social media platforms to promote their own narratives—sometimes even to publicly discredit opponents.
The advisory body warns that this trend represents a serious threat to the island’s democratic constitutional order.
Declining Press Access and Public Discourse
The concern stems from an essay by philosopher and political scientist Dr. Brede Kristensen, titled Democracy is Timelessly Human, which the Council included in its report. Kristensen advocates for a renewed appreciation of democratic culture, stressing that while democracy doesn’t guarantee good governance, it does offer the best chance for public oversight and accountability.
According to Kristensen, a functioning democracy depends on active citizen participation and the willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. He underscores the importance of the trias politica—the separation of powers between government, parliament, and judiciary—and warns that elected parliamentarians must be able to act independently, even when confronting ministers from their own political parties.
“It’s essential that political decisions are made through the fair weighing of interests and values,” Kristensen writes, noting that silencing dissent within coalitions or succumbing to pressure from interest groups undermines that process.
Press Conferences a Thing of the Past
The RvA’s commentary laments the lack of transparency in government communications, noting that press conferences—a key component of public accountability—are no longer regularly held. Meanwhile, social media has become a preferred outlet for political leaders to broadcast their views without journalistic scrutiny, often attacking critics in the process.
“This undermines counterarguments and weakens democratic checks and balances,” the Council states.
Concerns About Influence and Oversight
The essay also flags additional threats to democracy, including disproportionate financing of election campaigns and the use of manipulation tactics that shift voter focus from substance to image. Kristensen argues that regaining public trust requires reactivating dialogue with the community and taking citizens’ concerns seriously.
Another area of concern is the government’s disregard for oversight institutions such as the General Audit Chamber and the Ombudsman. Kristensen points out that recommendations from these bodies are often ignored, and parliament lacks effective tools to enforce compliance—further weakening the framework of good governance.
Call for a Culture of Dialogue
In closing, the Council of Advice calls for a cultural shift toward democratic values based on transparency, empathy, and compromise. “A government that does not respect these fundamental principles undermines the rule of law,” the Council warns.
It urges political leaders and institutions to embrace a democratic mindset, in which citizens, journalists, and civil society groups are seen not as obstacles but as essential participants in building a fair and accountable society.
