PARAMARIBO — The government will now focus on controlling state finances, responsible preparation for future oil and gas revenues, and targeted investments in society. This is despite the fact that the current budget space is limited. This is what Minister Adelien Wijnerman of Finance and Planning said in conversation with the Communications Service Suriname (CDS). The minister explained the priorities of the financial and economic policy of the Simons/Russia government.
The minister announced that government revenues, especially from Value Added Tax (VAT), have increased slightly in the recent period. This is the direct result of successful actions and process improvements within the tax authorities. The minister emphasizes that the focus remains on strict controls to further maximize these incomes towards 2028.
“The priority is to pay off debts and structurally strengthen society”
Future resources
With the expected increase in state revenues in the coming years, Minister Wijnerman warns of the risks of the so-called Dutch disease. To prevent price increases and keep vital sectors such as education and healthcare affordable, the ministry works closely with Staatsolie and macroeconomic experts from, among others, the IMF.
According to the minister, the future resources will be strictly managed via the Accounts Act and the legally established Savings and Stabilization Fund. “The law has been drawn up in such a way that no government can simply draw on it thoughtlessly,” Minister Wijnerman explains. The priority is to pay off debts and structurally strengthen society.
Trade union wage demands
When asked about the wage demands of various unions, the minister is realistic about the current financial situation. “We simply do not have the resources at the moment. Every day we have to make adjustments with the available income to pay priority expenses and outstanding claims,” the minister explains. She warns that a hasty wage increase will lead to higher inflation and a rising exchange rate. This will be very This will be very disadvantageous for all wage earners. The government will continue to engage in dialogue with the unions to see what is possible in the long term.
SRD 250 million for housing construction
The finance chief confirms that SRD 250 million has been reserved in the budget for the National Housing Fund for this year. The government recently approved the Housing Decree, which sets out the conditions and target groups.
The scheme distinguishes different income groups from SRD 12,000 to SRD 35,000 and provides rental and lease-purchase solutions for lower income groups through the Public Housing Foundation and non-profit cooperatives. Society will be informed about this in more detail.
