Zsolt Szabó: “Intergovernmental oversight, where and when necessary, requires intensive administrative involvement. This can be shaped more effectively and appropriately by the National Representative than by a minister in The Hague. The National Representative is much better able to be quickly on site and understands the unique circumstances of the governance of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.”
Content of the Role of the National Representative Changes
The role of the National Representative remains, but the content of this role will change in several ways. The National Representative will focus more on promoting and ensuring good governance and maintaining intergovernmental oversight.
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba have also indicated their aim to pursue their own permanent representation in The Hague. As a result, the coordinating role of the National Representative, as an advocate for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, is either not needed or less necessary. The executive councils have already been informed about the changes in the bill.
Timeline for the Bill
In the coming weeks, the bill will be adjusted accordingly. In the second quarter of 2025, a new internet consultation will take place regarding the amendments to the bill. This means that the bill is likely to be sent to the House of Representatives in the first quarter of 2026.
The adjusted timeline will affect another amendment in the bill, namely the increase in the number of island council members. With the new timeline, it is expected that this amendment will not take effect before the island council elections in March 2027. Therefore, the increase in the number of island council members will only be able to take effect from 2031.