Bread and Circuses, Summer Time, and the Silly Season

Bread and Circuses, Summer Time, and the Silly Season

June 8, 2026

Perhaps it escaped your attention, but summer began on June 1 and will end on August 31. The hurricane season also started on that date, although it will continue longer, until November 30.

It is also the silly season. Politicians usually understand that better than anyone. The cabinet, for example, quietly announced a 48-day recess, running from June 4 through July 15.

And this is no ordinary summer. It is the summer of the 2026 World Cup, which for the first time features 48 participating nations, including Curaçao, the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup.

It seems clear to me: this is not the time for major undertakings. The most important thing now is to recharge our batteries and, in August, see what we can still salvage this year. Think of the runaway growth of tourism, the related increases in construction costs and prices, and the continuing rise in poverty and inequality. Think of the erosion of healthcare and education. And the failure to index the old-age pension (AOV). To name just a few issues.

In the meantime, we can simply enjoy football and other sports.

I wish our Blue Wave a successful tournament.

Miguel Goede