Suriname to Get NDP Government Again, 'The Party That Brought Our Country Into Crisis'

Six political parties in Suriname aim to form a new government, excluding the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) of President Chandrika Santokhi. Jennifer Simons, chair of the National Democratic Party (NDP), has been presented as the new president.

The current government is being heavily penalized for its austerity policies, which is concerning, according to Steven Debipersad, chair of the Association of Economists in Suriname. 'The NDP is a party that brought our country into crisis with their policies from 2010 to 2020. And now we're getting that back.'

The austerity measures under Santokhi's government have struck a sensitive chord in society. 'Austerity was necessary. The country was in a dire situation with multiple crises in 2020. But that also means everyone has to make sacrifices, and some feel the pain more than others.'

The election promise of the incoming president Simons to stop austerity is dangerous, Debipersad warns. 'We now have fragile financial stability, which could quickly deteriorate. The situation is quite fragile.'

The six parties announced their intent to form a coalition even before the official election results were declared. The NDP is projected to win with 18 seats, closely followed by the VHP with 17 seats out of 51.