Paul Croes

Croes was born in Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, on 7 November 1976.^[1] Following his primary education he attended the voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs. He then moved to the Netherlands and studied political science at the University of Amsterdam, where he obtained a degree in 2002. During his studies he specialized in international politics and international economics. Croes subsequently returned to Aruba and entered state service in the international relations department.^[1]

Croes became politically active for the Aruban People's Party and in the 2009 general election he obtained a seat in the Parliament of Aruba with 1578 votes.^[1] after being sworn in he was elected as Deputy Speaker.^[2] He served as President of the Estates on 21 June 2010 and October 2013. Croes became the Parliament's youngest Speaker in history.^[3] Croes maintained his seat in the 2013 general election.^[1][2]

Croes joined the second cabinet of Prime Minister Mike Eman as Minister of Social Affairs, Youth and Labor on 30 October 2013.^[4] Croes stated he wished to focus on child abuse, domestic violence, poverty and an increase in job productivity.^[5]

In January 2015 a journalist from newspaper Solo di Pueblo made allegations against Croes regarding corruption. Croes denied the allegations and demanded and received a rectification in the newspaper.^[6] Dutch newspaper de Telegraaf also reported on the case in October 2015. The Aruban cabinet subsequently denied the allegations.^[7] On 28 March 2017 it became known that Croes was a suspect in a corruption investigation regarding work permits. His house and several others were searched by local authorities, An illegal domestic worker was found at the premises.^[8][9] On 31 March 2017 Croes temporarily laid down his ministerial position. Minister of Finance Angel Bermudez became caretaker for his portfolio.^[10]

On 21 August 2017 Croes was arrested on suspicion of corruption.^[11] Two days after his arrest Prime Minister Eman commented that Croes would keep his position as Minister.^[12] He was released on 14 November 2017 awaiting a probable court date in April 2018.^[13] His term in office ended when the government of Evelyn Wever-Croes was sworn in on 17 November 2017, he was succeeded by Glenbert Croes.^[14]

On 22 February 2019 Croes was convicted of corruption and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.^[15] consequentially he was barred from participating in politics and becoming a civil servant for 9 years.^[16] Croes announced his intention to appeal the decision.^[15]