Eric van der Burg, State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations, is moving forward with strengthening the island councils by increasing the number of island council members and commissioners. He aims to ensure the Increase Act (Verhogingswet) takes effect in time for the island council elections in March 2027. This will improve representation for residents in the island councils. Additionally, the current number of commissioners is too low for the workload. The ‘Verhogingswet’ will enhance the governance capacity of the islands.
The changes involve raising the number of island council members and commissioners on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. After completing the steps outlined in the legislative proposal, the number of council members and commissioners will be determined by population size, just as in municipalities in the European Netherlands.
Support program
In recent discussions, the State Secretary met with the island councils and executive councils of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. The conversations indicate that they are positive about the expansion. Concerns were raised about for example support for the island register and the island councils, and housing costs, which the State Secretary acknowledges. He will continue dialogue with the island authorities on these issues.
State Secretary Van der Burg is also proceeding with support measures agreed upon in De Bilt. Soon, a new initiative by ProDemos and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) will launch on the islands to inform and encourage aspiring politicians to engage in local governance. The State Secretary is willing to address the financial impact of the bill on housing for the islands.
The State Secretary’s intention to proceed with the ‘Verhogingswet’ is outlined in the memorandum, which was sent to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Kingdom Relations on April 9 in response to the report on the ‘Verhogingswet’.