THE HAGUE – The Dutch House of Representatives Committee on Kingdom Relations is raising pointed questions about the apparent failure of the governments of Curaçao and Sint Maarten to include debt repayments to the Netherlands in their national budgets. These concerns were formally presented in a series of factual questions submitted as part of the 2024 Spring Budget Memorandum review process. 

The focus centers on the 205 million guilders in maturing loans, originally extended as part of pandemic-related financial support. The loans are set to expire later this year, and both countries have already requested refinancing—a move met with skepticism by State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Zsolt Szabó, who has yet to take a definitive position, pending further advice from the Board for Financial Supervision (Cft). 

Key Questions from the Dutch Parliament: 

The questions from the committee (specifically questions 10–14 from the Spring Memorandum document) illustrate growing concern in The Hague: 

Question 10 asks for a reaction to recent Cft advisories, which emphasize the need for repayment or responsible refinancing, and warn against the lack of long-term fiscal planning. 

Question 11 directly confronts the issue: 
“Why have Curaçao and Sint Maarten not included the loan repayments in their budgets? What oversight was in place?” 

Question 12 seeks clarification on the composition of the 205 million guilder figure, asking how the projected repayments and receipts are calculated. 

Question 13 questions whether the refinancing plans currently under discussion are included in the 205 million total, suggesting a lack of transparency or specificity in the financial reporting. 

Question 14 asks: 
“When will a final decision be made on the repayment or refinancing of the loans for Curaçao and Sint Maarten?” 

Political and Financial Context 

The line of questioning reflects deeper frustrations in the Dutch Parliament over the perceived lack of financial discipline by the autonomous countries within the Kingdom. It also signals skepticism about the feasibility of repayment and whether sufficient steps are being taken to prepare for future debt maturities, including much larger sums due in 2030, 2035, and 2040. 

The Cft has repeatedly urged the governments of Curaçao and Sint Maarten to plan ahead, conduct integrated analyses of their entire debt portfolios, and avoid last-minute refinancing, which could destabilize public finances. 

The parliamentary committee’s questions suggest that the Dutch government may soon demand more stringent fiscal planning and accountability mechanisms from the island governments as a condition for future support or refinancing agreements. 

What’s Next? 

As State Secretary Szabó continues to deliberate—while also consulting the Cft—both Curaçao and Sint Maarten face mounting pressure to clarify their positions, revise their budgets, and demonstrate a credible commitment to debt sustainability within the Kingdom. 

A formal response from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is expected in the coming weeks.