On July 6, 2025, the Surinamese Parliament elected 71-year-old doctor and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, as the country’s first female president.[1] This development is significant not only in terms of gender equality but also as a pivotal moment in Suriname’s political history. Under Simons’s leadership, the country is poised to enter a period of economic transformation, spearheaded by a major oil and natural gas project led by TotalEnergies. However, alongside these opportunities lie serious challenges for the nation.
Suriname, situated in the Latin American and Caribbean region, has long faced considerable obstacles in advancing women to political leadership. The election of Jennifer Simons represents not merely a personal achievement but also a symbolic turning point for the country’s democracy. In her inaugural address to the National Assembly, Simons declared, “I assume this office in the spirit of service. I will use my knowledge, strength, and insight to bring the wealth of our nation to all citizens,” thus promising a populist and inclusive style of governance.[2]
Simons has built her political career within the National Democratic Party (NDP), founded by former president and controversial political figure Desi Bouterse. Bouterse’s confirmed conviction in 2023, followed by his flight and eventual death at an undisclosed location in late 2024, cast uncertainty over the party’s future. Nonetheless, Simons has demonstrated a clear intent to reshape Bouterse’s legacy through more democratic and legitimate means.
Suriname has experienced prolonged economic hardship for years. However, the discovery of vast offshore oil reserves presents a transformative potential for the country’s future. In particular, the Gran Morgu oil field is expected to begin production in 2028. This project could position Suriname as a regional energy powerhouse, similar to neighboring Guyana, which experienced a remarkable 43.6% growth rate in 2024.
Nevertheless, the effective, transparent, and equitable management of these resources is essential. While Simons’s pledge to distribute national wealth to all citizens is promising, past instances of corruption and mismanagement in resource governance highlight the need for close scrutiny. Establishing robust policy frameworks to ensure that energy revenues benefit the broader population rather than a privileged elite would be a prudent approach.[3]
Simons’s presidency is expected to bring not only internal political change but also a new vision for regional diplomacy. Suriname’s immediate neighbors—Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil—are strategically important actors both economically and geopolitically. To avoid diplomatic tensions, particularly with Guyana over potential competition in oil and gas fields, cross-border energy cooperation mechanisms will be critical. Additionally, deeper engagement with Brazil on issues such as sustainable development, environmental protection, and combating illegal mining in the Amazon basin is anticipated. Should Simons extend her foreign policy to include climate and human rights agendas, Suriname’s regional profile may be significantly enhanced.
The parliamentary elections held in May 2025 resulted in a political impasse, as no single party secured a majority. The NDP won 18 seats, the ruling Reform Party obtained 17, and smaller parties gained a combined 16 seats.[4] This necessitated coalition negotiations, culminating in a six-party agreement that led to Simons’selection as president. Her ability to work collaboratively with ideologically diverse coalition partners will be crucial in maintaining political stability.
The appointment of Gregory Rusland as vice president may help facilitate this balance. However, such broad coalitions are inherently susceptible to conflicts of interest, making Simons’s inclusive leadership style all the more important. Former President Santokhi’s post-election statement, in which he assumed responsibility for his party’s defeat, is also a noteworthy example of democratic maturity in the country’s political transition.
In her address, Simons placed special emphasis on the youth population—a strategic move, as young people in Suriname have long been marginalized from economic opportunities, grappling with high unemployment and limited access to education. Social exclusion among youth, particularly in rural areas, continues to hinder the country’s development dynamics.
Simons’s commitment to prioritize impoverished and vulnerable groups can also be interpreted as an attempt to address the growing public dissatisfaction with socioeconomic conditions since 2020. Whether these promises will translate into concrete policies largely depends on how energy revenues are allocated and whether social spending is sufficiently prioritized.
Monitoring Suriname’s relations with its neighbors will be important in the coming years. Potential energy competition with Guyana and the situation of Venezuelan migrants are expected to be among the defining issues in Simons’s regional policy agenda. A foreign policy approach that balances economic interests with humanitarian responsibilities is anticipated.
Suriname’s relations with its former colonial power, the Netherlands, may also be reshaped during Simons’s presidency. Historically marked by fluctuations since independence, these relations currently revolve around development aid, debt management, and judicial cooperation. Simons may seek to move beyond past political tensions and foster a more balanced and constructive dialogue, especially in areas such as energy investment and education. The country’s stable democratic transition could also open new diplomatic channels with the European Union.
The election of Jennifer Simons as head of state marks both a symbolic and strategic turning point for Suriname. If the country can leverage its energy resources while adopting policies that address social inequalities, this era could become one of the most prosperous in its history.
The main challenges facing Simons include dependency on energy revenues, the fragility of political coalitions, and the lingering influence of the previous regime. Her success will depend not only on economic indicators but also on her performance in democratic governance, anti-corruption efforts, and social inclusion. In this respect, whether Simons will be remembered not just as Suriname’s first female president but also as the architect of its transformation will become clear in the coming years.
[1] Kuipers, Ank. “Suriname Parliament Elects Simons as First Female President.” Reuters, www.reuters.com/world/americas/suriname-parliament-elects-simons-first-female-president-2025-07-06/, (Date Accessed: 13.07.2025).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
