13

13

28 October 2025

The number 13 is often considered unlucky. In the last elections, the ruling party aimed for a majority with 12 seats—but ended up with 13. Misfortune came disguised as fortune, rather than the other way around. Another numerical saying comes to mind: "12 ambachten, 13 ongelukken" ("12 trades, 13 mishaps"). Observing the number of political and administrative missteps here, I am reminded of this Dutch proverb.

I am thinking, for instance, of a parliamentary chairperson unaware of their own powers, a prime minister interfering in parliamentary affairs, the ongoing turmoil surrounding the Tax Collector and the Tax Service, the cracks along the road leading to the bridge, and defects in the newly completed tax office building—to name a few.

But, of course, everything is relative. Those truly suffering bad luck are the residents of Jamaica and surrounding islands, enduring the wrath of Hurricane Melissa, or the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, heading toward potential conflict.

Yet, the expectation that a government consisting of a single party would bring stability, calm, decisiveness, and results has not materialized—and it seems unlikely to do so anytime soon. The scenario in which democracy would be suppressed and hollowed out now appears to be unfolding.

Given the current situation, all institutions must perform their roles effectively within the system of checks and balances to protect and sustain democracy.

Miguel Goede