Minister Rene Herde also plans to step down at the start of the new year

ORANJESTAD — Prime Minister Mike Eman is not the only minister expected to leave his post on January 1. The current minister responsible for, among other portfolios, communication and infrastructure, Rene Herde, also intends to step down. Sources close to the process within the party confirmed this to Noticiacla this week.For several days, persistent rumours have suggested that the party faces an internal challenge in filling not one but three positions at the start of the new year: prime minister, minister of justice and a third ministerial post. The latter concerns the portfolios currently held by Herde.

REASONS FOR THE CHANGE

Although the official reason remains unknown, Noticiacla has also received information that concerns have existed within Herde’s office for some time about his workload and the pressure of the job, with those around him wanting to protect his health. He reportedly works very long hours and barely sleeps, a pattern considered unhealthy for someone of his age. “He barely sleeps and even contacts people in the early hours of the morning,” according to comments from people close to him. The position was originally intended for fellow party member Mike de Meza, who did not pass the screening process and therefore could not take office. Herde was subsequently approached because he had already cleared screening for a ministerial position in the Netherlands. Herde accepted the appointment on the understanding that it would be temporary: once De Meza’s situation had been clarified, he would step aside to make the position available. Although sources that have consistently proved reliable to Noticiacla have reported Herde’s planned departure, there has been no official comment on the matter.

WHO WILL TAKE WHICH POSITION?

Meanwhile, time is running out, and AVP has yet to announce publicly who will officially succeed Mike Eman as prime minister, although Arthur Dowers is widely mentioned as the most likely candidate. His office has reportedly already begun sounding out additional staff to support him in the new role. Speaking to Noticiacla, the current justice minister said he would address the matter when it became relevant. For now, however, he said no request had been made, so he would not discuss it. Another question is what would happen to the existing portfolio of someone appointed from within the cabinet. Would Dowers take on additional responsibilities, or would he leave the justice portfolio entirely to become prime minister? The latter would require another person to take over as justice minister. Noticiacla has also learned from internal party sources that a race is taking place among AVP parliamentarians, who are reportedly campaigning hard for that position. Herde’s departure would create further vacancies. Names repeatedly mentioned include Jennifer Arends-Reyes, Clifford Heyliger and another individual. They are reportedly very interested in securing one of the ministerial posts.

The newcomers, in particular, appear reluctant to take the time to learn what political office entails and seem eager to become ministers. This raises the question of whether serving the public is their motivation for seeking these positions.

 If parliamentarians with relatively few personal votes become ministers, more inexperienced members would enter Parliament. Given how the current group has handled its relationship with De Meza, who ultimately felt compelled to declare himself independent, there is no guarantee that this would work well.

Overall, AVP appears headed for a substantial internal reshuffle involving both ministerial and parliamentary positions.