State of the Union Suriname President Jennifer Simons

Summary of the Annual Address

President Simons' annual address presents the government's vision and policy for the service year 2026 and the entire governing period up to 2030, aimed at achieving a sustainable welfare society.

1. Political Context and Situation Found

Inauguration and Coalition

The new government, which took office on July 16, 2025, is characterized by a very broadly supported coalition. This demands continuous flexibility, unity, and skill in conflict resolution.

Acute Challenges and Corruption

Immediately after taking office, the government was confronted with various acute crises and problems:

       
• The blacklisting of the entire aviation sector.
       
• A severe crisis at SLM (Surinam Airways).
       
• A warning for the fisheries sector from the European Union.
       
• The discovery of **severely weakened government institutions**, with more than 380 presidential committees and working groups.
       
• Ongoing investigations into situations that require further scrutiny due to suspicions of corruption.
   

2. Economic and Financial Policy (2026-2029)

The coming years will **not be easy**, and maintaining **fiscal balance** is the main challenge.

Key Financial Figures Budget 2026

Economic Challenges and Measures

       
• Fiscal Pressure: The primary balance fell dramatically from a positive 0.3% GDP in 2024 to **negative 7.8% GDP** in May 2025.
       
• Debt: The government focuses on implementing **realistic austerity measures**, increasing state revenue, and making deferred debt repayments (2026, 2027, 2028) more manageable.
       
• Purchasing Power: Payroll tax on overtime, vacation pay, and bonuses was reduced to directly strengthen purchasing power.
       
• Cleanup Scheme (Saneringsregeling): A scheme has been established until December 31, 2025, allowing taxpayers to pay the original tax amount without interest or penalties.
       
• Tax Reform: The government **will not raise taxes**, but focuses on reforming Customs and the Tax Authorities, with special attention to collecting remitted VAT.
   

Economic Diversification and Oil/Gas

The focus is on accelerated development of **non-mining sectors** (Agriculture, Construction, Tourism) to make the economy more resilient.

       
• Legislation: Work is underway on an investment law, **local content legislation**, and the sustainable natural resource management law.
       
• Oil & Gas: The government is positive about offshore and onshore developments, but emphasizes the need to rapidly prepare the public for this sector (`Local Content`). The **savings and stabilization fund** will be updated.
   

3. Social and Legal Reforms

       
• Nation Building: Starting in August 2026, the government aims to establish an annual "Heritage month" for reflection and celebration of connectedness.
       
• Rule of Law: Investment is being made in the modernization and independence of courts, the Public Prosecution Service (OM), and oversight bodies (Court of Audit, Constitutional Court). Consultation on the introduction of a **third instance for cassation jurisdiction** will be initiated.
       
• Electoral System: The national consultation on **electoral system reform** will continue, aimed at proportional representation and countering fragmentation.
       
• National Security: Policy focuses on the integrity and capacity of security services, with investments in **specialized investigation teams** and a focus on drug control, cybercrime, and cross-border crime.
       
• PSA Policy: The policy for **Persons of Surinamese Descent (PSA)** will be improved with a legally established institute that will support their social and economic involvement and knowledge transfer.