Evelyn Wever-Croes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Evelyn Wever-Croes
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Wever-Croes in 2022
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| 4th Prime Minister of Aruba | |
| In office 17 November 2017 – 28 March 2025 |
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| Monarch | Willem-Alexander |
| Governor | Alfonso Boekhoudt |
| Preceded by | Mike Eman |
| Succeeded by | Mike Eman |
| Minister of General Affairs, Integrity, Energy and Innovation | |
| In office 17 November 2017 – 28 March 2025 |
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| Monarch | Willem-Alexander |
| Governor | Alfonso Boekhoudt |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Evelyna Christina Croes
5 December 1966 Leiden, Netherlands |
| Political party | People's Electoral Movement |
| Spouse | Kenneth Wever |
Evelyna Christina "Evelyn" Wever-Croes is an important politician from Aruba. She was the Prime Minister of Aruba from 2017 to 2025. She made history as the first woman to hold this top job! Evelyn is also the leader of a political party called the People's Electoral Movement (MEP) since 2011.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Evelyn Wever-Croes was born on December 5, 1966, in Leiden, Netherlands. She grew up in a family where politics was very important. Her uncles, Betico Croes and Rudy Croes, were also well-known politicians.
She went to high school at the Colegio Arubano in Oranjestad. After that, she studied law at the University of the Netherlands Antilles. She then moved to the Netherlands to study tax law at Leiden University.
After finishing her studies, Evelyn worked for the tax department from 1989 to 2003. She became the head of a department in 1994. Later, she worked as a tax adviser and lawyer at a law firm until 2010.
Journey into Politics
Evelyn Wever-Croes officially started her political career in 2009. She was elected to the Parliament of Aruba. In 2011, she became the leader of her party, the People's Electoral Movement (MEP).
In the 2017 general election, her party won many seats. After weeks of talks, she formed a new government with two other parties. This was the first time in 16 years that Aruba had a coalition government. It was also the first time a woman became Prime Minister of Aruba. She was sworn in on November 17, 2017.
Prime Minister of Aruba
As Prime Minister, Evelyn Wever-Croes faced many challenges and worked on important issues for Aruba.
Managing Aruba's Money
When she became Prime Minister, Aruba's government had spent more money than it had. Evelyn Wever-Croes quickly announced plans to save money. She also started talks with the Netherlands about financial agreements.
She limited the number of staff working for each minister. She also put a cap on government salaries. In 2018, Aruba and the Netherlands agreed on rules for Aruba's budget for the next few years.
Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic in Aruba greatly affected Aruba's economy. Many tourists stopped visiting, which meant less money for the government.
To help, Evelyn Wever-Croes introduced a curfew and temporary travel bans. Her government also cut salaries for higher government officials and civil servants. She also set a rule to limit the salaries of directors of state-run companies.
Aruba needed financial help during this time. Wever-Croes worked hard to get support from the Netherlands. She explained how difficult the situation was for Aruba. Eventually, an agreement was reached for financial support and help with reforms.
Other Important Work
Evelyn Wever-Croes believes it is important for more women to become politicians. She has encouraged women to run for office.
Aruba also faced a challenge with many people arriving from Venezuela. Wever-Croes worked to address this situation.
Second Term as Prime Minister
Evelyn Wever-Croes was sworn in for her second term as Prime Minister on September 21, 2021.
Her second term ended on March 28, 2025. After the 2024 general election, a new government was formed, and Mike Eman became Prime Minister again.
Personal Life
Evelyn Wever-Croes is married to Kenneth Wever. She has a son and is also a grandmother. In 2020, she received extra security because of threats made against her safety.
See also
In Spanish: Evelyn Wever-Croes para niños
