Reports Suggest Political Turmoil in Curaçao: PAR Demands Criminal Investigation into Finance Minister Silvania

WILLEMSTAD--Reports out of Curaçao suggest that Finance Minister Javier Silvania, the country’s largest vote-getter in the last election, is facing serious political trouble within his own party, MFK. Party leadership is said to be either finalizing or still discussing a reshuffling of ministerial portfolios, which could include the Ministry of Finance.

The apparent internal crisis comes as opposition party PAR calls on both the Public Prosecution Service and Parliament to act immediately in the ongoing controversy involving Minister Silvania and tax office head Alfonso Trona. According to PAR, the matter has now escalated beyond a personal or administrative dispute and strikes at the heart of Curaçao’s democratic integrity.

During a press conference, PAR leader Quincy Girigorie stressed that “for the first time in our history, a senior official has publicly stated that a Minister of Finance has committed criminal offenses,” describing the situation as one that “puts enormous pressure on our democracy.”

PAR is urging prosecutors to formally question Trona regarding his allegations and determine whether criminal acts were committed. “If the Public Prosecution Service has not called him to make his statement this weekend, I no longer know what should happen in this country,” Girigorie said.

The opposition party is also calling on the Minister of Governance, Planning and Services to officially release Trona from confidentiality obligations so that he can speak freely in Parliament. Without such authorization, Trona remains unable to discuss internal matters or defend himself publicly against Minister Silvania’s accusations.

Girigorie went further, outlining what PAR described as a pattern of misconduct by Silvania, claiming he has repeatedly insulted or intimidated civil servants, colleagues, and professionals. “This is not an isolated incident but a system of fear that is paralyzing the government organization,” he said.

PAR also condemned the MFK party leadership for attempting to resolve the matter internally, calling the approach “anti-democratic and dangerous.” “The MFK board is not a court and not a prosecutor,” Girigorie said. “This is about the integrity of governance and the functioning of the rule of law, not about party discipline.”

The party warned that continued silence on the matter would further erode public confidence. “Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done,” Girigorie said. “If the Public Prosecution Service does not act, we can say goodbye to democracy in Curaçao.”

Background:

Finance Minister Javier Silvania and the head of the Tax Receiver’s Office, Alfonso Trona, exchanged serious accusations during what witnesses say was a heated altercation. The confrontation, reportedly held on September 26 during an official meeting, was recorded and has since circulated widely on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media platforms, including a viral video reel.

Audio experts who reviewed the recording have confirmed its authenticity. In the clip, Minister Silvania can be heard accusing Trona of corruption. Trona responds sharply, claiming he has evidence in his possession proving “who is really corrupt.”

The exchange escalates with shouting, expletives, and mutual reproaches. A woman’s voice can also be heard attempting to calm the situation. Some listeners initially speculated that the voice belonged to Minister of SOAW Charetti America-Francisca, but she has publicly denied being present.

The altercation reportedly took place in the presence of several civil servants and government officials.

The dispute between Silvania and Trona is longstanding, centered on disagreements over tax enforcement, reporting obligations, and the limits of the Receiver’s authority. Silvania has accused Trona of obstruction, while Trona has argued that the minister repeatedly overstepped his authority.

The leaked recording has now given the conflict new weight, as allegations of corruption have become publicly audible for the first time, raising questions about potential legal and political consequences.

Media outlets and commentators are urging the Public Prosecution Service to launch an investigation, arguing that the claims can no longer be ignored since they have been documented and publicly shared.

𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘗𝘈𝘙 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦 (𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵) 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘑𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢.