WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Finance has sharply criticized the recent legislative proposal submitted by the MAN/PIN parliamentary faction to increase the AOV (general old-age pension), calling it a political stunt rather than a genuine effort to address the needs of pensioners. 

In a statement released this week, the Ministry said it regrets that MAN/PIN is playing politics with the real and urgent needs of the elderly population. According to the Ministry, the proposal demonstrates “political opportunism,” especially given that MAN/PIN held governing power for the past 12 years without making any legal adjustments to allow for indexation of AOV payments. 

“It is only now, after years of inaction, that MAN/PIN suddenly recognizes the challenges faced by our elderly citizens,” the Ministry stated. “During their time in power, nothing was done to structurally improve the purchasing power of pensioners.” 

The Ministry noted that it was MFK, and specifically Finance Minister Javier Silvania, who brought attention to the issue during the 2021 election campaign, vowing to raise the AOV and address pensioner poverty. That commitment, the Ministry emphasized, is now being followed up with concrete policy measures. 

“After 12 years, MAN/PIN has finally come to understand that our elderly are living below the poverty line. But the timing of their proposal, just as MFK moves forward with real reforms, is no coincidence,” the Ministry added. 

While acknowledging the importance of improving conditions for the elderly, the Ministry insisted that this must be done through sustainable planning and not last-minute political gestures. 

The debate over the AOV has re-emerged as a pressing issue amid rising costs of living and growing concerns about elderly welfare on the island. The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to meaningful and lasting reforms that prioritize the well-being of Curaçao’s seniors over political point-scoring.