Prime Minister Mike Eman Visits the Council of State
ORANJESTAD - During his working visit to the Netherlands, Prime Minister Mike Eman met with several prominent Dutch politicians.
A key part of this visit was an in-depth discussion with the Vice President of the Council of State, Mr. Tom de Graaf.
Although the King is formally the president of the Council of State, the day-to-day leadership rests with the vice president. The King attends meetings of the council but does not have voting rights.
Prime Minister Eman compared the Council of State in the Netherlands to the Advisory Council in Aruba. Both bodies play an essential role in reviewing draft legislation and providing advice on the quality and feasibility of laws.
The Council of State is an independent institution that advises on draft legislation that may be incomplete, in need of amendments, or unsuitable for adoption. This independent and expert assessment, free from political influence, is of enormous importance. During the years of Status Aparte, the Council of State issued several opinions in disputes with the Kingdom Council of Ministers, often in support of Aruba’s interpretation.
Prime Minister Eman emphasized that the Council of State has always been a highly respected institution, with prominent Arubans serving within it. He mentioned Mr. Maduro, known as a historian of the Kingdom’s constitutional structure; Mr. Mito Croes; and Ms. Schwengle, who played a key role in the drafting of the Kingdom Law currently before the Kingdom Council of Ministers. At present, Mr. Andy Lee represents Aruba in the Council.
On September 15, Prime Minister Eman held extensive talks with Mr. De Graaf. The following day focused on the work of Mr. Andy Lee. As a member of the Council of State, he operates independently of the country that nominated him, yet his knowledge of and connection to the islands provide valuable insights. His contribution is particularly important in interpreting legislation within the context of Aruba and the other islands.
Prime Minister Eman also had an extensive exchange with Mr. Lee and appreciated the opportunity to hear his perspective on which laws are currently being drafted, their significance, and their potential impact on Aruba and the other islands. At the same time, he highlighted his government’s vision of a kingdom focused on the added value of cooperation among the islands, striving to build a true Kingdom in which the interests and well-being of all its parts, especially Aruba and the Netherlands, remain central in decision-making.