Croes responds to MEP over private flight: “I did nothing wrong”

ORANJESTAD – Minister Gerlien Croes reacted strongly on Facebook against the MEP parliamentary faction Tuesday afternoon, after the opposition party once again questioned her about the private jet flight she took to Curaçao in November 2025.

In her public response, Croes accused MEP of using the issue in an attempt to damage her image, while, according to her, the party does not sufficiently understand the matter.

“MEP has been obsessed with me for nine months and is asking me for a receipt that I have no obligation whatsoever to give them,” Croes stated. “They are constantly trying to damage my image, as if I had done something wrong.”

INNOCENT

Croes maintained that she committed no wrongdoing and indicated that the expenses related to landing in Curaçao do not exceed Afl. 1,000. According to the minister, sharing these types of expenses is permitted by law. However, the statements regarding the amount and its legality are Croes’s own position and were not accompanied in her publication by independent documentation.

DISTINCTION

The minister also drew a distinction between parliamentary oversight of public funds and information concerning her personal expenses. “MEP is in Parliament to oversee the people’s money. Since when do I have to give ‘Evelyn and Rocco’ an account of what I paid with my own money?” Croes asked. With this comment, Croes appeared to be responding directly to MEP parliamentary leader Evelyn Wever-Croes and Member of Parliament Rocco Tjon, who for months have insisted on proof of payment, the cost of the flight and the possible involvement of third parties in the arrangement.

MEP’S POSITION

MEP’s position is that Croes travelled in her capacity as minister for an official engagement and that, consequently, Parliament has the right to obtain clarity about the flight. The faction also invoked the National Ordinance on Administrative Transparency (LOB) to request information. Member of Parliament Edgard Vrolijk recently stated that Croes has still not presented proof of payment, despite a recommendation by the LAR Commission dated July 10, 2026. According to Vrolijk, if the minister does not respond within the applicable period, the MPs are considering taking the matter to court.

TO RESPOND AGAIN

Croes announced that during this week she will once again answer MEP’s questions. Nevertheless, she anticipated that the opposition will probably continue raising the same issue. “I did nothing wrong. From day one I have said that the MEP party is not going to define my life, nor intimidate me with their political games,” the minister emphasized. Finally, Croes lamented that the controversy continues to dominate the opposition’s agenda while, according to her, Aruba has other urgent matters requiring attention. “I have work to do for my people and there are so many things that need attention in Aruba, but it seems that this remains the priority of the politicians in opposition,” Croes concluded.