WILLEMSTAD:--- In a dramatic turn of events, Curacao’s Finance Minister Javier Silvania has submitted his resignation, officially stepping down from the ministerial post amid a long-running conflict within the Tax Office. Simultaneously, he has reclaimed a seat in Parliament, allowing him to remain politically active while distancing himself from executive responsibilities.
Conflict at the Tax Office & Internal Deadlock
According to reports, Silvania’s resignation is deeply connected to a dispute with the head of the Tax Receiver’s Office, Alfonso Trona. Silvania had been pushing for firings of senior civil servants implicated in alleged mismanagement or obstruction but was unable to secure support from his fellow ministers.
The tension came to a head following a leaked audio recording of a meeting between Silvania and Trona, in which both parties exchanged accusations and sharp language. Opposition parties and unions have since condemned Silvania’s conduct, calling it unacceptable for a senior minister.
In parliament, the matter has been taken up by opposition parties PNP, PAR, and MAN-PIN, who secured a public hearing to summon both Silvania and Trona for clarification.
Return to Parliament, but Political Stakes Elevated
Silvania’s return to Parliament was made possible by the resignation of MFK MP Tyron Boekhoudt, who vacated his seat to make space.
While no longer a minister, Silvania retains influence and will be able to follow developments from within the legislature—particularly in relation to the investigation into Trona’s conduct and the broader tax administration issues.
Observers warn that his departure from the executive branch removes a vocal and visible actor in the Pisas administration, potentially destabilizing the already fragile balance within the ruling Movementu Futuro Korsou (MFK) party.
Broader Fallout: Gaming Regulator Shockwaves
Silvania’s troubles coincide with upheaval in Curacao’s gambling oversight architecture. The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA)—which falls under the Finance Ministry—was shaken when its entire supervisory board resigned in mid-September.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has reportedly stepped in to assume direct oversight of the regulator, fueling speculation that Silvania’s influence over gaming regulation is being curtailed.
Yet, confusion remains. Some sources say the CGA has pushed back, insisting that oversight responsibility has been shifted from Finance to the Ministry of Justice via a formal August order, rather than to the Prime Minister’s office
If true, the ministerial reorganization aimed to align the regulator with a department better suited for supervision, compliance, and anti‐illicit activity enforcement.
Regardless, the timing of the resignations and portfolio shifts has raised questions about whether the turbulence is entirely administrative — or a political rebalancing to contain Silvania’s reach.
What Happens Next?
Friday’s scheduled parliamentary session promises a tense showdown. Silvania, Trona, and Prime Minister Pisas will be called to answer the public conflict.
Opposition leader Quincy Girigorie (PAR) has already demanded a criminal investigation into Silvania’s conduct, arguing that the matter has crossed from internal government dispute into potential abuse of power
Meanwhile, public sector unions have joined the chorus of criticism, denouncing what they describe as a long-running pattern of disrespect by the finance minister toward civil servants.
At the same time, the CGA is in limbo without a functioning supervisory board, potentially disrupting governance in the lucrative gambling sector, which is a key pillar of Curacao’s economy and reputation.
Analysts are now watching closely whether the MFK party will rally around Silvania or pivot to preserve government stability — and whether the Pisas cabinet itself is at risk.