On Tuesday, October 24, the Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba (VNO), along with approximately 100 students from HAVO and VWO classes at Colegio Arubano, organized the annual Prinsjesdag activities.

This event, which typically occurs on the third Tuesday of September, is a meaningful occasion to focus on the significance of Prinsjesdag in the Netherlands and its implications for the countries within the Kingdom, especially Aruba. Due to the circumstances this year, the activities took place a month later than usual.

The day commenced with a brief presentation by VNO about the significance of Prinsjesdag and the Throne Speech. Discussions were also held regarding the presentation of the budget to parliament and the debates related to it, encompassing general political and financial considerations.

Next, a special guest was present in the morning, Mr. Rolf van der Zande from the Raad van Advies, who interactively explained how Aruba’s budget system functions and the role of Parliament in it.

There were lively debate sessions on various current topics, where different groups of students could present and defend diverse viewpoints, earning credits toward their political organization studies.