Six political parties in Suriname signed a coalition agreement around midnight (Dutch time) to form the basis for the new government led by Jennifer Simons. She succeeded Desi Bouterse last year as chair of the National Democratic Party (NDP).
The parties also announced the distribution of ministerial positions. The NDP will provide President Simons, the parliamentary chair, and six ministers, including Foreign Affairs and Agriculture. The NPS party will provide the vice president, likely Gregory Rusland, and three ministers, including the new Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment. ABOP will provide four ministers, including Justice, while Pertjajah Luhur, BEP, and A20 will each hold one or two positions.
Correspondent Nina Jurna noted that the coalition aims for a national policy, avoiding party dominance over ministries, a common issue in Surinamese politics. Simons emphasized Suriname's pivotal moment due to recent oil discoveries, with the first oil revenues expected by 2028.
