Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has been elected as the first female president of Suriname amid a national crisis. Her coalition gained a two-thirds majority in parliament after a deal was struck, leading to significant changes in leadership due to dissatisfaction with the outgoing president's tenure, marked by corruption and austerity. Set to take office on July 16, Geerlings-Simons aims to stabilize the economy and address $400 million in annual debt servicing, focusing on enhancing tax revenue, particularly from gold miners. Suriname is expected to produce offshore oil in 2028.
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has been elected as Suriname's first female president, leading the nation during a crisis amid hopes of future oil wealth.
Her election follows mounting pressure on the outgoing president due to corruption scandals and harsh austerity measures that sparked mass protests.
Geerlings-Simons plans to stabilize state finances and boost revenue through tighter tax collection, particularly from small-scale gold miners.
Suriname must address about $400 million annually in debt servicing, presenting significant challenges that threaten economic stability.
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