President of Suriname facts for kids

Quick facts for kids President of the Republic of Suriname
Standard of the president of Suriname
Incumbent Jennifer Geerlings-Simons since 16 July 2025
Style	Madam President (Informal) Her Excellency (Diplomatic)
Residence	Presidential Palace
Seat	Paramaribo
Appointer	National Assembly
Term length	Five years, renewable indefinitely
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Suriname (1987)
Precursor	Governor-General
Inaugural holder	Johan Ferrier
Formation	25 November 1975; 49 years ago (1975-11-25)
Deputy	Vice President
Salary	4,646,552 Surinamese dollars/133,560 USD annually
Website	Cabinet of the President

The President of the Republic of Suriname is the main leader of the country. This important role is set out in Suriname's Constitution from 1987. The president acts as both the head of state and the head of government. They are also the top commander of the Suriname National Army. The president is responsible for choosing a team of ministers to help run the country.

The current president is Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. She was previously the chairwoman of the National Assembly. President Simons is a member of the National Democratic Party. She was chosen as president on July 6, 2025. Her inauguration ceremony took place on July 16, 2025, in Paramaribo.

History of the Presidency

The job of president in Suriname began when the country became independent from the Netherlands in 1975. At first, the president's role was mostly ceremonial. This means they had important duties but less direct power. Most of the real power was held by the prime minister.

Johan Ferrier, a former teacher and experienced politician, became the first president. He had served as governor since 1968. In August 1980, there was a big change in government leadership. President Ferrier resigned. For a period until 1988, army leaders had a lot of influence in choosing the presidents. A powerful army commander, Dési Bouterse, had a lot of control during this time.

In 1987, a new constitution was approved by the people. This new constitution made the president's role much stronger. The president became the main executive leader. In December 1990, there was another change in leadership. The army again played a part in removing the president and his team. However, by 1991, the army gave power back to civilian leaders. Since then, the people of Suriname have freely elected their presidents.

How the President is Chosen

The president and a vice president are chosen by the National Assembly. To win, they need at least two-thirds of the votes from the Assembly members. Their term in office lasts for five years. They can be re-elected for more terms. While in office, the president cannot hold other political or business jobs.

Who Can Be President?

To become president, a person must be a citizen of Suriname. They must have lived in the country for at least six years. They also need to be at least 30 years old.

A candidate needs to win at least two-thirds of the votes in the Assembly. If no one gets enough votes after three tries, the decision goes to a larger group. This group is called the United People's Congress. It includes members of the Assembly and local government officials. In this larger group, a simple majority is enough to win.

What the President Does

The president has many important duties and powers. They choose and remove government ministers. They also sign new laws and appoint diplomats to represent Suriname in other countries.

The president can declare war or a state of emergency. But the National Assembly must agree to these decisions. They also make agreements and treaties with other countries. The Assembly's approval is needed for these as well. The president also has important ceremonial duties. These include giving awards and welcoming leaders from other countries.

Past Presidents of Suriname

Political parties

     National Party of Suriname (NPS)      Nationalist Republican Party (PNR)      Progressive Reform Party (VHP)      National Democratic Party (NDP)      Independent

President			Term of office			Political party	Vice president(s)
No.	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Took office	Left office	Time in office
1		Johan Ferrier (1910–2010)	25 November 1975	13 August 1980	4 years, 262 days	NPS	Position not established
2		Henk Chin A Sen (1934–1999)	15 August 1980	4 February 1982	1 year, 173 days	PNR
3		Fred Ramdat Misier (1926–2004)	8 February 1982	25 January 1988	5 years, 351 days	Independent
4		Ramsewak Shankar (born 1937)	25 January 1988	24 December 1990	2 years, 333 days	VHP	Henck Arron (NPS)
5		Johan Kraag (1913–1996)	29 December 1990	16 September 1991	261 days	NPS	Jules Wijdenbosch (NDP)
6		Ronald Venetiaan (born 1936)	16 September 1991	15 September 1996	4 years, 365 days	NPS	Jules Ajodhia (VHP)
7		Jules Wijdenbosch (1941–2025)	15 September 1996	12 August 2000	3 years, 332 days	NDP	Pretaap Radhakishun (BVD)
8		Ronald Venetiaan (born 1936)	12 August 2000	12 August 2010	10 years	NPS	Jules Ajodhia (VHP)
							Ramdien Sardjoe (VHP)
9		Dési Bouterse (1945–2024)	12 August 2010	16 July 2020	9 years, 339 days	NDP	Robert Ameerali (ABOP)
							Ashwin Adhin (NDP)
10		Chan Santokhi (born 1959)	16 July 2020	16 July 2025	5 years	VHP	Ronnie Brunswijk (ABOP)
11		Jennifer Geerlings-Simons (born 1953)	16 July 2025	Incumbent	6 days (as of July 22, 2025)	NDP	Gregory Rusland (NPS)

Presidential Timeline

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Surinam para niños

• Politics of Suriname
• First Lady of Suriname
• List of colonial governors of Suriname
• Vice President of Suriname
• List of prime ministers of Suriname
• List of deputy prime ministers of Suriname