Dissent is Democracy – Two Years Later

Dissent is Democracy – Two Years Later

28 September 2025

About two years ago, I wrote Dissent is Democracy (Goede, 2023). It was an argument about the value of dissent, dialogue, and freedom of expression. I claimed then that we are not good at it—neither at genuine dialogue, nor at speaking openly, nor at listening. Sadly, recent events confirm that nothing much has changed.

Take, for example, the dialogue on AOV (General Old Age Pension) that began on 23 September 2025. To put it mildly, it got off to a slow and awkward start. This week, I also read in the digital newspaper: “Curaçaose ambtenaren voelen zich niet veilig om kritiek te uiten” [Civil servants in Curaçao do not feel safe expressing criticism] (Nu.cm, 2025). Fear has become part of our political and administrative culture. Some say it is cultural, dating back to colonial times.

This brings me back to another earlier publication of mine: Een nieuw sociaal contract (Goede M. , 2024). In that collection, I argued that our society needs exactly that—a new contract, one that addresses affordability, sustainability, and trust. The Antilliaans Dagblad now echoes the same concern with the headline: “Nieuw sociaal contract nodig? Nationaaldialoog werpt vragen over betaalbaarheid op” [New social contract needed? National dialogue raises questions about affordability].

Meanwhile, other headlines underline the urgency. “Rem op zorgconsumptie mist; Cft: Curaçao met hoogste zorguitgaven” [No brake on healthcare consumption; Cft: Curaçao with the highest healthcare expenditures] points to runaway costs. In the same week, the press reports on the costly travel habits of ministers. Contradictions pile up while problems remain unresolved.

We are in a challenging position. If dissent is a hallmark of democracy, then democracy also requires courage. The courage to speak up, to listen, and to act. Without that, dialogue becomes theatre—and trust in our institutions continues to erode.

Miguel Goede