Suriname gets six-member coalition gov’t-new agreement signed

Jun 03, 2025 News

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(De Ware Tijd) Suriname is on the eve of a new political phase. On Sunday evening, the coalition agreement was signed by the six parties that together form the new coalition: the NDP, NPS, ABOP, Pertjajah Luhur, BEP and A20. The parties expressed the ambition to lead the country towards hope and recovery through a different style of governance. The agreement will be presented to the president, with a view to the appointment of a new cabinet.

The signing took place in Ballroom Prince, where the party leaders jointly confirmed their commitment to national unity, political renewal and socio-economic recovery. NDP chairwoman Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, who has been nominated as the new president, emphasised that her commitment is fully in the service of the people: “All the strength, understanding and love that God has given me, I put in the service of Suriname.”

“If we do what we always did, we will get what we always got. This coalition wants to do it differently” NDP chairwoman Jennifer Simons.

The following policy areas are proposed for the NPS: the vice presidency, the first replacement of the vice chairman of DNA, the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Oil, Gas and the Environment.

The following positions and ministries are proposed for the NDP:

The presidency

The Presidency of the National Assembly

The Ministry of Finance and Planning

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation

The Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

The Ministry of Welfare, Health and Labor

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs

For the NPS:

The Vice Presidency

The function of first deputy of the chairman of the National Assembly

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

The Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment

For the ABOP:

The Vice-Presidency of the National Assembly

The Ministry of Natural Resources

The Ministry of Regional Development

The Ministry of Justice and Police

The Ministry of the Interior

For the PL:

The Ministry of Land and Forest Management

The Ministry of Defense

A20:

The Ministry of Economic Affairs

The BEP is nominated:

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Tourism

The parties state in a joint vision that this coalition agreement is not an end point, but a declaration of principles of shared leadership, social responsibility and national renewal. “We opt for a government that listens, acts and connects. A government that is committed to social justice, sustainable growth and national unity. In a time of global uncertainty and local challenges, transparency, decisiveness and cooperation are indispensable. With the strength of our community, the wisdom of our institutions and the support of international partners, we are building a new Suriname: a country in which the elderly live in dignity, young people realise their potential and everyone feels safe, involved and valued.”

Simons called for a different way of thinking and acting within the government and society: “If we do what we always did, we will get what we always got. This coalition wants to do it differently.” She also called on the people to think differently.

The other party leaders also expressed their intention to break with the past. A20 chairman Steven Reyme pointed out the need for credible leadership: “The people must regain hope.” ABOP leader Ronnie Brunswijk called for burying the hatchet: “Functions are not important, the country must move forward. As a soldier, I will support the colonel.” He was referring to his support for Simons, who, according to him, is called to fulfill this task.

Gregory Rusland of the NPS, intended vice president, emphasized that the country is at a crossroads, fifty years after independence. “This is our last chance. Suriname must move forward, but that can only happen together.” He called for national unity, without exclusion or polarization. “Every citizen must be able to feel at home.”

Ronny Asabina (BEP) spoke of a “good step forward”, but stressed that the trust of society must be earned. Paul Somohardjo (PL) pointed out that the democratic process must get underway quickly: a new parliament must be installed by 29 June at the latest, so that the president and vice-president can be elected.

With 34 seats behind them, the new coalition can take these steps without the United People’s Assembly. Simons is expected to be elected president in July. Simons stressed that the job is not easy, but if it is done with the right intention, God will give the support.

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