🏛️ New political era in Suriname as elected parliament members are sworn in

Happy Monday!

This week the newly elected members of parliament were sworn in, tensions rise during signing of coalition agreement, and Simons issues warning to comply to the new agreement

Political tensions rise as Brunswijk at first refused to sign coalition agreement

• ABOP chairman and vice-president Ronnie Brunswijk initially signed the coalition agreement with reservations, then withdrew his support without explanation, causing political tension.

• He later decided to sign the agreement definitively, citing the importance of stability and progress in the formation of the new government.

• The coalition now formally consists of six parties—NDP, NPS, PL, BEP, A20, and ABOP—holding a combined 34 seats in the National Assembly.

• Brunswijk had requested more guarantees and clarity on the distribution of positions and powers within the new government.

• After Brunswijk’s initial conditional signing, the other five parties re-signed the agreement and took new photos without him, while keeping the door open for ABOP to rejoin.

• During a long meeting the previous evening in Zorg en Hoop, Brunswijk participated without voicing any objections, yet later signed the document with a reservation, surprising all parties.

• Due to the tension, ABOP risks losing four ministerial posts and the vice-presidency of the National Assembly, while Brunswijk’s aspiration to be vice-president again is not supported by the other coalition members.

Brunswijk later agrees to sign the full coalition agreement claiming he needed more time to review the document fully

• For the third time, the coalition agreement was officially signed, this time with all six party leaders—NDP, NPS, ABOP, PL, A20, and BEP—including ABOP chairman Ronnie Brunswijk signing without reservations.

• The repeated signings were due to earlier uncertainty from Brunswijk, who had initially signed with reservations and sought more clarity about ABOP’s role, especially regarding leadership positions.

• Brunswijk has now accepted the offer of the vice-chairmanship of the National Assembly, although he mentioned that further discussions will still take place.

• The coalition agreement, titled Together on the way to a socially just and prosperous society, was signed at Madeliefjesstraat, formalizing the new alliance.

• Brunswijk mentioned he needed more time to review the document and hopes to later include a section about the role of traditional authorities in the agreement.

• He declined to clarify whether he will resign as vice president to become a member of the National Assembly, but affirmed his support for the coalition deal.

New DNA members sworn in, election of new leadership to proceed in following meeting

• The newly elected members of Suriname’s National Assembly were sworn in on Sunday, June 29 at 10:00 AM, followed by the election of the chairman and vice-chairman at 1:00 PM.

• Both sessions will be chaired by Rabin Parmessar (NDP), the oldest newly elected member, who was sworn in by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi the day before.

• The swearing-in occured in five orderly groups of ten, with detailed preparations made to ensure transparency and organization.

• Special guests, including government officials and diplomats, have been invited, and a covered outdoor screen will be installed for the public to watch the ceremony live.

• Ashwin Adhin (NDP) was elected as chairman of parliament, and the Ronnie Brunswijk (ABOP) was elected for the vice-chairman role.

• These events mark the beginning of a new political era, with new power dynamics between coalition and opposition forces.

• Physical changes in the Assembly have already been made, with new seating and nameplates arranged: coalition members on the right, opposition members on the left of the chairman.

Simons: Anyone who does not adhere to the agreement will be out

• The new coalition, led by the NDP and composed of six parties, has officially ended internal negotiations after the third signing of the coalition agreement; no further talks will be held with the opposition VHP.

• NDP chairwoman Jennifer Geerlings-Simons stated the coalition-building process was smooth and collaborative, with most parties being community-focused and experienced in governance.

• She pledged continuity in public service, stating she does not plan to overhaul government personnel if they are doing their jobs properly.

• The incoming president views Suriname's upcoming 50th anniversary of independence as a pivotal moment and stresses the importance of responsibly managing anticipated national income.

• Simons acknowledged the next three years will be economically challenging and has engaged with creditors and investors, vowing only to promise basic essentials like food and education for all children.

• While in talks with the IMF, she warned that Suriname must not let the population suffer under a new IMF program and emphasized a shared responsibility among government, the private sector, and citizens.

• NDP chairwoman Jennifer Geerlings-Simons expressed confidence that coalition partners will honor their agreement during the election of the National Assembly’s chairman and vice-chairman.

• Ronnie Brunswijk has been sworn in as a parliamentarian, making him ineligible to continue as vice-president under the constitution, though Simons suggests legal clarification is needed due to practical concerns about presidential succession.

• If the presidential and vice-presidential elections shift to the United People's Assembly due to broken agreements, Simons stated that those who do not uphold the coalition deal must step out.