🟥 PL out of government

While government launches Royaltyies voor Iedereen program

De Brief
May 05, 2025

Pertjajah Luhur (PL) has officially left the Surinamese government, with Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran and state advisor Paul Somohardjo resigning from their positions.
Vice-chairman Bronto Somohardjo stated the party no longer wants to be part of a government.
PL claims there is a double standard in the treatment of ministers accused of corruption, especially when comparing Javanese ministers to those from the president's inner circle.
The party criticized the lack of action against the Ministers of Public Works and Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries despite serious allegations involving large sums of money.
Bronto Somohardjo emphasized PL's decision was based on moral grounds, saying they chose integrity over political power.

After PL's departure: VHP confirms commitment to coalition agreement

The Progressive Reform Party (VHP), led by President Chan Santokhi, acknowledged and respected PL’s decision to leave but reaffirmed the government's ongoing commitment to development.
VHP emphasized that the government is still focused on stabilizing Suriname after inheriting major economic and administrative challenges.
Despite PL's departure, VHP affirmed that the government will continue its mission of recovery and governance with the remaining coalition partners.
The VHP reiterated its adherence to democratic principles and expressed confidence in the judiciary's handling of legal cases involving government ministries.
While thanking PL for its past contributions, VHP called for public calm and trust, and reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, justice, and development for Suriname.

The VHP’s 2025–2030 election manifesto includes plans for a new ministry for parastatal companies, major government infrastructure projects, early education initiatives, increased student support, and healthcare improvements.
The manifesto introduces “Royalties for Everyone,” a phased program to share oil revenues with citizens, starting May 9 with seniors over 80 and people with disabilities.
President Santokhi acknowledged that many first-term promises weren’t fulfilled due to underestimating the country’s initial economic problems but claims foundational work has now been done.
Santokhi argues that while financial challenges will persist until oil revenues arrive in 2028, the current administration has created more financial room for action.
Achievements cited include free Wi-Fi in secondary schools and ongoing government digitalization, showing some progress despite previous constraints.
The president stressed the importance of inclusive oil wealth distribution, contrasting it with past extractive industries like bauxite and gold that primarily benefited a small elite.

The Royalties voor Iedereen (RVI) program website has been launched, with the first payments of US$750 to citizens aged 80+ starting May 9.
A total of 572,186 Surinamese citizens are eligible for registration; if a recipient dies, the certificate’s value passes to their heirs.
The Council of State supports the program in principle but criticizes the lack of a solid legal foundation, recommending a law instead of a State Decree for better legal certainty.
The Council raised concerns about unclear budget allocation, legal risks if Parliament doesn’t pass a law, and the potential unlawfulness of payments under current conditions.
Citizens fall into three categories: over 60s can take an early reduced payout; adults aged 18–59 access funds from 2028; minors receive funds at age 18.
Benefits are pegged to the US dollar but paid in local currency (SRD), with 40% of oil royalties allocated to the RVI and 30% reserved for Oppenheimer debt repayments.
Minister Raghoebarsing stated that the program does not increase national debt and was developed with national and international financial institutions.
He avoided detailed responses to the Council of State's legal criticisms but said the president would address the advice where necessary.