1997. In September 1997, the legislative assembly is dissolved as a result of a rift between the two major parties within the ruling coalition. However, the December elections didn't shift the balance of power inside the legislative branch.
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Schism in the legislative assembly
1997
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1997. In September 1997, the legislative assembly is dissolved as a result of a rift between the two major parties within the ruling coalition. However, the December elections didn't shift the balance of power inside the legislative branch. |
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A proposal to join the Commonwealth
1990
1990. The Dutch government proposes a commonwealth structure for Aruba that nails down the latter's self-governing status as long as it remains linked to the Dutch realms. |
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A victory for the People's Electoral Movement
1989
1
1989. The People's Electoral Movement wins the 1989 elections and its leader Nelson Oduber takes over as primer minister. |
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Aruba definitely breaks free from the Netherlands Antilles
1986
1
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1986. Aruba manages to definitely break free from the government of the Netherlands Antilles and becomes an independent state, yet still attached in some ways to the Dutch realms. |
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Alonso de Ojeda claims Aruba for the Spanish Crown.
1499
1499. Alonso de Ojeda reportedly claims the island of Aruba for the Spanish Crown. |
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Discovery and colonization of Aruba
1400. It was discovered by Spain in the 15th Century and colonized by Holland from the 17th Century on. In 1499, Alonso de Ojeda allegedly claimed possession of Aruba for Spain. |
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Gold mines in Aruba
1825. Gold mines are discovered in Aruba. Exploitation of this mines stopped yielding benefits around 1916. |
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The world's biggest oil refinery
1929. The Standard Oil Co. built in San Nicolás, in the northern part of the island, the world's biggest oil refinery. In 1985, Aruba started hitting economic hardships after one refinery had to be shut down. In 1989, a U.S. company signed a trade agreement. |
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Aruba's self-governing right
1950-1977. Holland grants Aruba self-government right as member of the Netherlands Antilles. Four years later, it becomes member country of the Netherlands Antilles Autonomous Federation. In 1977, a referendum shows 57% of the population supporting independence. |
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A Prime Minister for Aruba
1989-1990. Primer Minister Nelson Oduber (1989-1994) backs the Dutch government's proposal for the island to remain a part of the Dutch Community, thus assuring the territory's self-government, and at the same time being a part of the Netherlands Kingdom. |
