Politics in Curaçao: A Game of Emotions, Not Reason
February 4, 2025
On February 1 and 2, 2025, eight of the fourteen registered political parties in Curaçao had to prove their viability. If they secure at least 848 votes, they will be allowed to participate in the general elections on March 21. Only two succeeded, so eight parties will participate in the elections. This marks the beginning of a new four-year political cycle—a moment traditionally seen as an evaluation of government policy, a chance for adjustments and refinements.
But that is the rational view of politics. In reality, politics today is anything but rational. Since Brexit, global politics has transformed into a game of pure emotions. And Curaçao is no exception. Look at the candidate lists, party programs, and the political discourse. Logic takes a back seat; feelings take the wheel.
How did we get here? Several factors have shaped this shift. Hu-manity is amid a turbulent transition, facing climate, energy, artificial intelligence, inequality, and war crises. Add poverty and inequality to the fact that the majority of people are in survival mode. The complexity of these problems overwhelms many people, leaving them searching for clarity. Enter the populists—offering simple solutions to complex issues, capitalizing on fear and uncertainty.
Social media accelerates this process, making large-scale misinformation effortless. It has become a powerful tool for manipulating voters. And manipulation is not cheap. This, in turn, creates a thriving market for political donors and financial angels, further entangling money and influence in the political landscape.
It would be naive to think Curaçao will remain immune to these global trends. Politics here is evolving, just as it has everywhere else. Just consider the ongoing discussion about whether a currently detained politician should be allowed to lead a party. That should not even be a debate—but in an emotion-driven political climate, such topics take center stage while real policy discussions fade into the background.
The question is: Will reason make a comeback, or will emotions continue to dictate the course? All stakeholders—politicians, the media, and the electorate—must inject more substance, facts, and rationality into the political discourse. Curaçao's future depends on it. I am a realist.
Miguel Goede
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