Mercelina says government awaits employer and employee SER nominations

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina told Parliament that government has completed nominations for the independent members and substitutes of the Social Economic Council, but cannot complete the body until employer and employee organisations submit their candidates. Mercelina said government had sent reminder letters and would prioritise reviewing submissions once received.

Mercelina said the council has nine members: three for employers, three for employees and three independent members nominated by government. He said government had met employee organisations to explain requirements for representation and appointments, and that they committed to provide supporting information and legally compliant nominations within two weeks.

MP Sarah Wescot-Williams said she had prepared a draft amendment that would create a temporary legal mechanism when the normal appointment process stalls. MP Sjamira Roseburg said legislation had been awaiting treatment by the SER since 2024 and questioned whether the law should set a timeframe for other steps.

MP Egbert J. Doran also asked about conflict-of-interest safeguards at independent oversight and advisory institutions. Mercelina said the questions had been sent to the relevant institutions, including the SER, and that their responses would be shared with Parliament.