AVP leadership transition in Aruba

The Aruban People's Party (AVP) underwent a leadership transition during its 2026 congress. The event was attended by regional political figures, including Ruthmilda ‘Mimi’ Larmonie-Cecilia, leader of the Curaçao-based Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP), who was welcomed by party members upon her arrival in Aruba.

On October 4, 2026, Wendrick Cicilia officially assumed leadership of the AVP, succeeding Mike Eman, who led the party for 25 years. Eman described the move as a “generational transition of responsibility” rather than a departure from service, noting he will continue to serve as Prime Minister of Aruba until January 2027.

Cicilia stated his intention to lead the organization into a new era by focusing on Christian democratic ideals—such as solidarity, human dignity, and sustainability—to ensure economic progress reaches all Aruban households. During the congress, Minister Melvin Wyatt-Ras highlighted Eman’s contributions to social security, health care, and pension systems. The party has framed this period as an ‘Era of Relay,’ intended to merge the experience of previous generations with the creativity of new leadership to address modern legislative challenges.