Aruba Parliament demands Dutch government accountability over Queen Beatrix notes

The Parliament of Aruba has unanimously passed a motion requesting that the Eman cabinet hold the Dutch government accountable regarding personal notes written by former Queen Beatrix. The notes, which surfaced during an investigation into the colonial history of the House of Orange, concern politician Betico Croes in the period leading up to Aruba’s Status Aparte in 1986.

In her personal records, the former Queen expressed concerns about Croes’s separatist course, writing, “Tijd winnen! Hij zal eens wegvallen. Dat afwachten.” MEP leader Evelyn Wever-Croes stated that these remarks have “diepe wonden geslagen in de Arubaanse gemeenschap,” suggesting a connection between the sentiments expressed and the fatal car accident involving Croes.

The motion instructs the Eman cabinet to formally request clarification from the Dutch government regarding the meaning of these passages, the information available at the time, and the existence of any related policy notes or scenarios. It also calls for a thorough investigation of relevant government archives and the disclosure of available documents. A copy of the motion will be sent to the Dutch House of Representatives.