Curaçao is heading to the polls; here’s what to expect
As Curaçao prepares for its upcoming parliamentary election on March 21st, the political landscape is increasingly clouded with activity. This potentially pivotal moment presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses and stakeholders across the island. At Palman Group, we’re keeping a close eye on the developments to help our clients navigate the potential changes on the horizon.
Key Context for the Election
Curaçao’s upcoming election comes at a time when the island is grappling with pressing issues such as economic recovery, social inequality, and demographic change. With several parties competing for the 21 parliamentary seats, the stakes feel high, and the outcomes could significantly influence the business environment.
Top Issues to Watch:
Economic Revitalization: Post-pandemic recovery remains a central concern. How new leadership addresses foreign investment, tourism, and local entrepreneurship will shape the island’s economic trajectory for years to come.
Budgetary Governance: 2020 to 2025 has been a particularly turbulent time for Curaçao’s budgetary health. The country entered the pandemic with a significant deficit. The country ended the first year of the pandemic with a 811 million guilder deficit, which seemingly paralyzed the government for the years to follow. While we entered 2025 with a 37 million guilder surplus, this is not nearly enough for the government to feel any comfort in the long-term health of the country’s budget.
Social Equity: With growing calls from the population for addressing income inequality and improving equitable access to healthcare and education, social policies will likely be a key focus for all major parties.
Parties to Watch
With a grand total of 203 candidates, and 8 parties on the ballot, this upcoming election may seem overwhelming. Businesses and organizations should be aware of each party’s platform, as priority shifts could impact the government’s focus on issues like trade, tourism, and taxes.
Movemento Futuro Kòrsou (MFK): MFK has amassed a large following of diehard supporters. With arguably one of the most popular politicians the country has ever seen, MFK is expected to win big during this election. Currently holding 9 seats in the 21-seat parliament, MFK’s path toward a one-party government is not unrealistic. This would give MFK unparalleled power to execute their policies.
Partido Alternativa Real (PAR): Currently the country’s biggest opposition party, PAR has positioned itself as the biggest voice against MFK’s governance. With a relatively stable following, paired with a big presence in parliament, PAR has maintained a strong opposition throughout the past 4 years.
Partido Nashonal di Pueblo: A former member of Curaçao’s current coalition, PNP is set to be this election’s biggest wildcard. Their falling out with MFK has proven divisive, and could hurt their chances on election day. However, a significant portion of the community views PNP’s departure from the coalition as an opportunity to establish the party’s role as a new formal opposition to MFK.
Mihó Kórsou: Mihó Kórsou, led by a relatively unknown leader, made a surprising impact during the pre-election, sweeping the votes and emerging as the most popular party among the eight competitors. However, both their policy platform and supporter base remain largely unclear. While it’s expected that Mihó Kórsou will take a share of votes from the major parties, exactly which ones will be most affected is still up for debate.
Implications for Businesses
The outcomes of this election could usher in changes to regulatory frameworks, investment climates, and public-private partnerships. Here’s what businesses should prepare for:
Tax System: The government has narrowly escaped another yearly deficit. While one party may see a 37 million guilder surplus as a call to action to spend, another party would see this as a time to continue measures to cut back on public expenditure, or even raise taxes.
Investment Opportunities: New leadership could bring added incentives for green energy projects, infrastructure development, or digital innovation.
Public Engagement: Engaging with policymakers early can help businesses align with emerging priorities and build strategic partnerships. While some parties are open for talks, others are more hesitant to openly collaborate with businesses.
How Palman Group Can Help
Navigating political transitions requires proactive planning and informed decision-making. Our team at Palman Group specializes in:
Policy Analysis: Providing insights into how proposed policies may affect your industry.
Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating connections with key decision-makers to advocate for your interests.
Strategic Planning: Helping businesses adapt to new regulatory environments and leverage emerging opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As Curaçao heads to the polls, we’re committed to helping our clients stay ahead of the curve. Understanding the political dynamics and preparing for potential changes can make all the difference in achieving long-term success.
Stay tuned for our post-election analysis, where we’ll break down the results and their implications for businesses in Curaçao. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to our team for tailored advice and support.
For more information, contact us at info@palmangroup.com or visit www.palmangroup.com.
Together, let’s navigate this pivotal election with confidence and clarity.
