Tension in Suriname: Protesters looted the capital and stormed the parliament demanding the resignation of the president

the streets of Suriname have become, in recent hours, the scene of violent clashes between protesters and police. This Friday, a group of people broke into the headquarters of the Parliamentin the capital of Paramaribowhile another group of hundreds of people broke windows, looted the stores nearby and they caused fires.

These protests, initially peaceful, appeared as a sign of demand for the recent austerity measures that the Surinamese executive decreed on the recommendation of the International Monetary Fund so that the country respects its directives in terms of public expenditure. They include an end to subsidies on fuel, gas and electricitywhich led to a sharp rise in priceswhich is also replicated in other commodities in a context of high inflation. This, added to the weakening of the local currency – the Surinamese dollar – makes daily life difficult in the country which, in 2022, recorded an inflation of 54.6%.

For its part, the government maintains that the measure will save approximately $10.9 million per year.

Among the cries that were heard in the streets was a very firm demand for the dMission of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi for his inability to cope with the crisis, as well as his deputy, the vice-president Ronnie Brunswijkof the General Liberation and Development Party. “Chan Go Home”report hearing from local journalists.

Although at first the demonstrators were gathered in the streets in a peaceful atmosphere, the situation worsened when a group began to attack the police forces who seemed to be bringing order and were pointed with stones, bottles and pots. They then entered the seat of the Legislative Assembly, although they were forced to turn back.

Security forces responded with tear gas there blank shots in an attempt to disperse the spotlights. For their part, the authorities condemned the attacks and assured that they had formed a task force to locate and bring to justice those responsible for these incidents.

“The government respects everyone’s right to protest, but it will not tolerate actions like those demonstrated today.”is read in a statement issued by Santokhi’s cabinet and adds that “Strong action will be taken against the individuals who ordered, perpetrated and wreaked havoc in these attacks”.

Alongside these episodes in the capital, at least two labor unions have carried out strikes which caused the closure of banks, ports and schools, also as a sign of dissatisfaction with the measures taken by the government. Likewise, last Friday, there had already been other protests under the leadership of activist Sibrano Pique and this tuesday C-47 -one of the largest unions-, had sent a ultimatum to the president.

However, it is not only among the people that the announcements have been badly received, but also within the executive itself, tensions have been generated. Thus, this Wednesday, the members of the National Party of Suriname -the smallest party in government- announced its withdrawal from the coalitionwho belongs to the Progressive Reform Party.

(With information from AP, Reuters and EFE)

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