When we take note of the contents of the ARC report, we can conclude that the financial management of our country is in total disorder.
It is appalling to note the amount of public funds that the government cannot give an account and justification for regarding its expenditures, as well as revenues that do not reflect the country's financial position, as the finance minister deceptively presented.
The journey towards an agreed annual account, initiated under the previous government and known by the ARC, has faced a formal delay. Therefore, the process aimed at correcting the financial administration of our country did not proceed at the same pace under the current government. This is indicated by the ARC and also confirmed by the Pisas government in its response.
For MAN/PIN, correcting our administration and financial management is important. But what concerns us the most is that the financial reality of our country is very different from what the government and the finance minister have apparently portrayed in communication.
Furthermore, when we take note of the latest reaction from the Financial Supervision Board (Cft.) regarding the government budget, where the Cft. sets a deadline for the government to adapt the 2024 budget to the financial reality of the country and also to cover the risks the country faces in the budget, it clearly shows that Minister Silvania does not have control over the finances of this country.
Even sadder is the looming exoneration of over 3 billion guilders in taxes, apparently to please some campaign financiers. This shows a lack of respect from the finance minister towards parliament, who should come to parliament by August 19 to continue the meeting from May 11, 2023, to answer questions about the cancellation of 3 billion guilders in taxes, where our people have all sorts of needs. Parliament must wait more than a year to get clarity from the minister about a decision the minister made.
Looking at the reaction of MFK, which after more than 3 years of governance, it is remarkable that they want to blame another government. In this way, they show once again how they want to hide behind their actions instead of assuming their own responsibility.
With the argument that in the last 10 years, others have governed, we must refresh their memory that in the last 10 years, both MFK and its coalition partner participated in the government from 2010 to 2012.
MFK was responsible for the finances of this country, which were placed under restrictions by the Netherlands.
Therefore, enough of looking for weak arguments to blame others and assuming responsibility for the management of 2022, which was entirely under MFK's governance.
On social media, we saw the Minister indicating that he is going to submit a letter to the General Audit Chamber (ARC) to include the report on the 2022 annual accounts. This action shows that the minister does not understand our rule of law and lacks respect for our state institution. It was the same MFK that came up with a bill to strengthen the functioning of the ARC, which was approved by parliament.
The ARC is an independent body that reports to Parliament. Our faction in Parliament sent a letter with questions to the Prime Minister about the actions of this minister. As the head of government and responsible for the management of the ARC, the Prime Minister must assume his responsibility and stop actions against democracy and the safeguarding of the independent functioning of institutions like the ARC.
