Noticiacla survey: 66% oppose HOFA despite seeing financial benefits

ORANJESTAD – The current results of Noticiacla’s survey show clear opposition to HOFA in its present form. Of the 648 people who answered the main question, 66.2% oppose introducing the law, 26.4% support it and 7.4% remain undecided or say they do not know enough about HOFA.

A similar result emerged when respondents were asked how they would vote in a referendum: 66.1% would reject HOFA, 27.2% would accept it and 6.7% remain undecided. In addition, 74.2% believe the public should be allowed to decide the issue through a referendum.

Regarding parliamentary approval, 55.3% do not want Parliament to approve HOFA. Another 27.3% support approval, while 14.9% would accept it only if certain conditions were changed.

Autonomy is at the center of the opposition. A majority of 53.1% primarily view HOFA as a limitation on Aruba’s autonomy, compared with 26.3% who see it as protection for public finances. Furthermore, 71.5% are at least somewhat concerned that HOFA could give the Netherlands too much influence over Aruba’s financial decisions.

However, the results do not amount to a rejection of financial discipline. Some 54% believe HOFA could or probably could prevent future governments from spending more than Aruba can afford. Another 55.7% consider requirements to maintain budget surpluses and reduce the national debt positive.

Only 32.1% completely reject external financial supervision. A combined 67.3% would accept some form of supervision—directly, temporarily or if Aruba’s financial position deteriorated. Meanwhile, 65.6% believe Aruba’s government can maintain financial discipline, although most within that group say strict rules are necessary.

Lack of information is another major finding. According to 66% of respondents, the government and Parliament have not adequately informed the public. At the same time, 64.5% say they personally understand HOFA well or very well.

The survey recorded 649 participations, with between 625 and 648 answers per question. Respondents aged 55 and older and men are overrepresented. Because this was an open, voluntary survey, the findings should not be presented as a scientifically representative poll of Aruba’s entire population.

The main conclusion is that respondents are not rejecting financial discipline itself. They oppose a model they believe could restrict Aruba’s autonomy and give the Netherlands excessive influence. Their preference is for clear financial rules, better public information and direct public participation.