KRALENDIJK – The Island Council faction of political party M21 firmly distances itself from the letter the UPB faction sent to, among others, the House of Representatives and the Council of State in response to the concerns of the State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations about the political situation on Bonaire. According to M21 faction leader Désirée Coffie, the State Secretary’s actions cannot simply be regarded as unwarranted interference in local autonomy.
In a letter to the Chair of the Island Council, Coffie writes that M21 distances itself from “the content, tone and conclusions” of the UPB letter. In her view, the Dutch government has a responsibility within the constitutional relations for, among other things, good governance, integrity and the rule of law.
M21 therefore considers it justified that signals of political instability, integrity issues and possible political influence on the civil service are taken seriously and investigated. “Autonomy and oversight within the constitutional order are not opposites, but complement each other,” the faction said.
At the same time, Coffie warns against accusing Dutch institutions without sufficient factual basis. According to M21, this could further undermine trust in public institutions and complicate cooperation between Bonaire and the Netherlands. Political differences of opinion, the party says, should “not be elevated to constitutional conflicts”.
M21 instead expresses confidence in the constitutional role of the Dutch institutions involved and supports a transparent and careful handling of the concerns raised by the State Secretary. The faction also stresses the importance of a professional and independent civil service that can function without political pressure.
UPB cannot speak on behalf of the Island Council
Finally, Coffie makes clear that, according to M21, the UPB letter represents solely a party-political position. “The UPB faction therefore cannot be deemed to speak on behalf of the Island Council, nor on behalf of the Public Entity of Bonaire.” According to M21, the Island Council has not made any decision on the administrative relationship with the Netherlands.
M21 therefore believes such matters should first be discussed publicly in the Island Council before further conclusions are drawn on behalf of Bonaire.
