On Sunday, July 6, 2025, The National Assembly and its Speaker Mr. Adhin elected Ms. Jennifer Simons and Mr. Gregory Russia, respectively, as President and Vice President of the Republic of Suriname. Ms. Simons, from the NDP, and Mr. Russia, backing a coalition of six parties (NDP, NPS, ABOP, PL, BEP and A20), form the new leadership team that will be officially installed on Wednesday, July 16, at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall.
President-elect Ms. Simons emphasized that her position is "not a reward, but a task" and called on all Surinamese to bear responsibility together, even beyond the six ministerial posts her party was assigned in the coalition. With 17 NDP representatives in parliament, six ministers and a president as the formation, she stressed the need for cooperation with other coalition partners, the private sector and the trade union movement. She promised open communication and stated that corruption will be dealt with relentlessly.
Mr. Gregory Russia, elected at single candidacy after ironing out disagreements within the ABOP, spoke of "gratitude, humility and a sense of duty." He called himself the bridge between policy and implementation, between president and society, and between city and district. As vice president of all Surinamese, Mr. Russia wants to strengthen democratic institutions, improve the culture of governance and promote sustainable development with respect for people, the environment and justice. He called for dialogue over division and cooperation over conflict.
Chairman Mr. Adhin announced that Parliament will support Ms. Simons and Mr. Russia with legislation and critical oversight. This will include vetting of state-owned enterprises and ministries, anchored in new legal frameworks. Mr. Adhin praised the historic cooperation between the NDP and NPS and pointed out that with six parties, the coalition is a solid foundation in the year Suriname celebrates 50 years of independence.
With the election of Ms. Jennifer Simons as its first female president and party chairman, and Mr. Gregory Russia as its vice president, Suriname is setting a new course. The inauguration on July 16 symbolizes a new chapter for all Surinamese.
