Suriname Elects First Female President Amid Economic Uncertainty

Suriname has elected its first female president, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, as the South American nation faces significant economic challenges and rising public discontent.

Geerlings-Simons, a 71-year-old physician and long-time politician, was elected by Suriname’s parliament following her party’s success in the May elections. She will lead the country as it struggles with high inflation, heavy debt payments, and the aftermath of austerity measures that have sparked protests across the nation.

In her speech after the vote, Geerlings-Simons acknowledged the historic nature of her election and the challenges ahead, promising to focus on the needs of all Surinamese people while working to stabilize the country’s economy.

Suriname has recently undergone debt restructuring and subsidy cuts under an IMF-backed program, but many citizens have voiced frustration over rising living costs and economic hardship. The country, however, looks toward potential economic relief with the planned start of offshore oil production in the coming years, which officials hope will provide a boost to state revenues.

Geerlings-Simons has pledged to improve the management of the country’s resources, strengthen public finances, and prepare the economy for the future while addressing the immediate concerns of citizens facing economic difficulties.

Her election comes as Suriname approaches the 50th anniversary of its independence, with many hoping the milestone will coincide with a path toward greater stability and opportunity under the country’s first female president.

With input from Al Jazeera