Aruba AG warns of pressure on democratic rule of law

Aruba Attorney General Amalin Flanegin said crime, disinformation, changing political power structures and declining confidence in public institutions are putting pressure on the democratic rule of law. She spoke in Curaçao on Friday 16 October during the installation of Sigmar Carmelia as president of the Joint Court of Justice.

Flanegin said protecting the rule of law is a shared responsibility for governments, politicians, businesses, civil society organisations, journalists and citizens. The Joint Court serves Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

The attorney general said gun violence, mental health challenges and limited capacity in government services, including law enforcement and justice institutions, can affect public confidence when people believe they cannot get help or are treated unfairly.

Flanegin spoke about maintaining the separation of powers among the executive, legislative and judicial branches. She referred to Project 2025 in the United States as an example of proposals that, in her assessment, would strengthen executive authority relative to other branches of government.

She said legitimate criticism of judicial decisions is part of democratic debate, while false or misleading information can damage confidence in courts and other public bodies. Flanegin also warned that hostility towards the judiciary and prosecution services could discourage young legal professionals from pursuing those careers.